Person of Interest Sought in Lakewood Shooting
Maurice Clemmons.
Clemmons has a criminal record which includes aggravated robbery, rape, and assault, as well as a history of erratic behavior.
Clemmons, who had been in jail in Pierce County on a pending charge of second-degree rape of a child, was released from custody less than a week ago, even though he was wanted for eight felony charges out of Washington State.
Clemmons' criminal record dates back to age 18, when he was sentenced to 60 years in prison for burglary. While an Arkansas inmate, Clemmons' sentence was commuted by then-governer Mike Huckabee, over the protest of prosecutors.
We should stress that Clemmons is not yet a suspect. However, should he be shown to have played a part in this morning's killing, it will prove to be a serious black spot on Mike Huckabee's future political career, as this would not be the first time in which a prisoner released by Huckabee has gone on to do violence.
Although Clemmons was judged competent to stand trial in Washington after a mental evaluation, he has a long history of mentally suspect behavior. A sheriff's report uncovered by KOMO, Clemmons' sister told police,
Maurice is not in his right mind and did not know how he could react when contacted by Law Enforcement...She stated that he was saying that the secret service was coming to get him because he had written a letter to the President. She stated his behavior has become unpredictable and erratic. She suspects he is having a mental breakdown.
Clemmons is 5'8", 235 lbs, with black hair, brown eyes, and a mole on his left cheek. He is considered extremely dangerous. Again, if you have any information about his whereabouts, please call the Sheriff's Department Tip Line, 1-866-977-2362.
