A dispute over a car at a Frederickson-area residence in Pierce County, Washington, on May 6, 2017, ended with the death of 50-year-old J Christopher Burton. According to reports, a man came to the mobile home with Justin Jennings to ask about a vehicle the friend had left there. An argument between Burton and the friend turned physical, and Jennings sprayed bear spray inside the home. Burton reportedly began throwing objects at Jennings, who then produced a semi-automatic handgun and fired two shots that struck Burton in the chest. Burton was pronounced dead at the residence despite medical aid.

Witnesses identified both men to law enforcement. The next day a deputy stopped a vehicle that tried to elude them and recognized a passenger as Justin Jennings; Jennings was taken into custody and treated for a hand injury before booking. Jennings, then 39, was charged with second-degree murder. His defense claimed self-defense, asserting he believed Burton was armed; prosecutors said Jennings and his companion arrived armed and initiated the confrontation. In June 2018 a Pierce County jury found Justin Jennings guilty of second-degree murder. Burton’s mother described him as a prankster who made everyone laugh; he is survived by a son and two grandchildren.

Did anyone in Frederickson or Pierce County see the events around that mobile home on May 6, 2017, or have information about the visitor who accompanied Jennings?