Bonney Lake mayor requests governor to block murderer’s release

Bonney Lake Mayor Terry Carter has reached out to Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, asking him to reconsider the upcoming release of Timothy Pauley. Pauley was convicted in 1980 for the murders of three tavern employees at the Barn Door Tavern in SeaTac. At that time, he brutally attacked five people, eventually killing three of them. Pauley was sentenced to three life terms in prison for his crimes, which included robbery, rape, and murder. However, opportunities for parole have continued to arise over the years. In 2016, family members of the victims expressed their outrage when Pauley's potential parole was discussed, questioning how a life sentence did not guarantee life in prison. Recently, the community learned that Pauley might be released and could potentially live in Bonney Lake. Former Governor Jay Inslee reversed a previous decision to deny Pauley's parole just before leaving office. In 2022, the state’s Indeterminate Sentence Review Board deemed Pauley rehabilitated, saying he completed counseling. Inslee had expressed doubts about Pauley's rehabilitation, citing his failure to apologize to the victims' families. Mayor Carter became aware of Pauley’s potential release through social media and wrote to Governor Ferguson expressing concerns for the community's safety. He emphasized that his intent is to seek action rather than spread fear. The Bonney Lake City Council recently allowed public testimony on this matter, where families of the victims shared their frustrations with Pauley not taking responsibility. In response, Ferguson’s office confirmed they are reviewing Pauley’s record as he is scheduled for release on March 27. The governor has the authority to cancel Pauley's parole, and his office is reaching out to the victims' families for a meeting. The decision on Pauley’s release is still pending.