I am writing to you in regards to case number 19-1-00549-29 out of Skagit County WA regarding Joshua D Burton DOB 6/2/1984. He is charged with Armed Robbery 1st degree RCW 9A.56.200 and 1st degree Assault RCW 9A.36.011.

This case is being prosecuted by Brandon Eugene Platter of Skagit County Washington. Overseen by Judicial officer’s Elizabeth Neidzwski, Brian L Stiles and Thomas L Verge. The probable cause affidavit was filed by Deputy Richard Eichman Skagit County Sheriff’s office. 

The arrest for this case was made in Whatcom County Washington on Beird Road in 2019. The mother of his children and two of her children were taken hostage during this arrest and held captive in their home. During a search of the home drugs and guns were found despite the fact that Mr. Burton is a felon and not legally allowed to have possession of fire arms. 

The victims in this case have expressed fear that if the defendant is let off with no consequences in this matter that their lives will be in danger, as Mr. Burton has expressed the desire to kill them on multiple occasions. Members of the public including the neighborhood where his now deceased mother lived are concerned that his release will result in more violence in their neighborhood in Clear Lake as his mothers home is now owned by a family member. Who is now concerned for the safety of their property and its occupants. During his time incarcerated the defendant has verifiably broken an order of restraint with his victim Tabitha Riggan who is listed as a witness in this case. She was scheduled to testify that Josh was not home with her and the kids at the time of the Robbery. She has been contact twice by parties verifiably sent by him to intimidate her into lying on the stand.

This defendant has demonstrated his disregard for the law while in custody, his has disrespected the courts and its rulings, he has plead guilty to breaking a restraining order placed on him to prevent him contacting a witness in his criminal trial.

It is important to note the prosecutor in this case who is a new father and understandably wants to spend time at home with his kids has fought to get the two whatcom county armed robbery charges brought down to skagit county so they can be tried at the same time. This defendant is on camera committing armed robbery assault one in whatcom county. This case was transferred and coupled with his armed robbery charges in skagit county despite have occurred in two different counties years apart. 

RCW 9A.20.020 and RCW 9A.20.021 prescribe the following; Maximum sentences for crimes committed July 1, 1984, and after.
(a)   For a class A felony, by confinement in a state correctional institution for a term of life imprisonment, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of fifty thousand dollars, or by both such confinement and fine;

RCW 9A.20.020
Authorized sentences for crimes committed before July 1, 1984.
 

(a) For a class A felony, by imprisonment in a state correctional institution for a maximum term fixed by the court of not less than twenty years, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than fifty thousand dollars, or by both such imprisonment and fine;

How does one come to a term of four years? They are putting three armed robbery charges and three first degree assault charges together and offering a four year deal on all of them. These are all class a felony’s undertaken by an individual who has made himself a danger to his community members. 

The next court date is Thursday 23 FEB 23 this week at 1330 in Skagit county. Please attend and voice your concern!!!

We the people demand a reasonable sentence for violent crimes! the state demands a 20 year minimum on violent class A felonies.

Katherine Qaysaneah
360-842-7125

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/crime/article230903454.html​

https://skagitbreaking.com/2019/05/27/man-arrested-after-robbery-in-clear-lake-standoff-with-police-in-lynden/