Teen Gets 62 Years In Murder Of Baby Sitter
A judge Tuesday sentenced David Daniel Dodge to an exceptional 62-year term for the rape-slaying of a 12-year-old Stanwood girl attacked as she baby-sat for neighbors.
Dodge, of Camano Island, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder shortly after he was arrested in the Sept. 21 bludgeoning death of Ashley Jones.
The defendant, 17 at the time of the crime and 18 now, also pleaded guilty to second-degree rape and three counts of burglary.
He was sentenced by Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Ronald Castleberry to 31 years for murder, 24 for rape and seven for burglary.
Prosecutors cited aggravating circumstances - the girl was assaulted while unconscious, the attack was witnessed by a younger child and Dodge had walked away from a work-release program - in seeking an exceptional sentence of 86 years.
Prosecutors also noted he entered the home three times, each time choosing to continue his deadly course.
The case has promoted a call in the Legislature for tougher rules about placement of juvenile offenders.
Dodge walked away from a state work-release program - part of his penalty for an earlier burglary conviction - the Friday before the Saturday night attack.
That security breach has prompted $80 million in claims against Island County and the state, filed on behalf of Ashley’s parents, Steve and Debra Jones of Stanwood, and other family members, and on behalf of the Alumbaugh family, whose home was the site of the attack.
The Alumbaughs have left their home, where one of their boys - a 5-year-old - witnessed the killing while pretending he was asleep.
The claims allege Island County authorities “neglected or intentionally or recklessly refused to provide relevant information” to juvenile authorities about Dodge’s violent background, allowing him to be placed in the Larch Way Lodge group home rather than a more secure facility.
The claim against the state alleges it was negligent in allowing Dodge to remain at the group home, “knowing that David Dodge presented a risk to the safety of the community based on his prior convictions and behavior.”
Both families have lost income and suffered psychological and emotional damage as a result of the attack on Ashley, according to the claims.
If the claims are rejected or 60 days pass without action, the families may file lawsuits.