Spokane7
49°
December 31, 2010 in City
Victim’s family questions shooting accounts
Uncharged shooter wants ‘closure’
Issa Al Hayek, left, listens to one of the 911 calls from the August night when his brother, George Al Hayek, a security guard, was shot to death during an altercation in a Spokane alley. Behind him is his father, Bassam Al Hayek.
(Full-size photo)(All photos)
The look on the man’s face is what Jason Hartell remembers the most.
He calls it an “Oh, I messed up” look. He saw it just after he shot security guard George Al Hayek three times in a confrontation in east Spokane last summer.
It’s been frozen in Hartell’s mind ever since.
“There’s not a night I don’t see his face. That poor guy. I feel so bad for his family,” said Hartell, fighting back tears last week as he recounted the deadly Aug. 24 confrontation outside an apartment at 4023 E. Pacific Ave. “My life’s just been hell.”
Spokane police sent the investigation to the Spokane County prosecutor’s office last week without recommending charges against Hartell, 35. Prosecutors will decide if Hartell, a married father of two, was justified in the fatal shooting, which police have said appears to be self-defense.
Meanwhile, there was no Christmas celebration for Al Hayek’s family, who moved to the United States from the Bethlehem area about eight years ago.
Their Palestinian Christian heritage calls for years of skipped celebrations after a tragic loss, and the loss of their youngest son is tragic beyond words.
“They kill him for no reason,” said Bassam Al Hayek, George Al Hayek’s father. “For two, maybe five years, we don’t celebrate. Even the birth of children, we don’t celebrate.”
George Al Hayek, the youngest of seven children, was shot and killed in an alley between the apartment complex and Pepsi property he was patrolling as a private security guard, a job he’d had since moving to Spokane in May.
Witnesses said Al Hayek was shot after displaying what appeared to be a handgun but was actually an Airsoft gun. Police found Al Hayek’s open cell phone just feet from his body; his family suspects he was trying to call police before he was shot.
The Al Hayek family has spent hours poring over the 700-page investigative report, reviewing crime scene photos and highlighting what they say are discrepancies in witness accounts.
Hartell told The Spokesman-Review that he’s positive he saw Al Hayek holding a gun, but according to the police report, he told detectives it may have been a cell phone.
“Jason said he saw something dark in the security guard’s hands and by the way the security guard was acting he assumed it was a gun,” according to the report. According to an interview transcript, Hartell told detectives hours after the shooting: “I still don’t know if he actually had a gun or not.”
A wallet and GPS belonging to Al Hayek still have not been located, his family said.
Al Hayek worked for Securitas Security Services patrolling the Pepsi plant and Premera building. His employers told police Al Hayek was well-liked and a great worker.
A chain fence and alley separate the Pepsi property from Hartell’s apartment complex. Hartell and his wife were outside drinking with neighbors when Al Hayek drove through the alley in his security uniform with his Honda’s headlights off, Hartell said. A neighbor yelled something about the car appearing suspicious.
“That’s what triggered him,” Hartell said.
Al Hayek got out of his car and began arguing with the neighbor, Hartell said. Witnesses said comments referenced Al Hayek’s ethnic heritage. Detectives said police experts concluded the racist comments did not qualify as hate crimes.
Hartell denied saying anything to Al Hayek and said he went inside to avoid the confrontation but heard yelling and screaming once inside. He grabbed his 9 mm and went outside, with the intention, he says, of ensuring his wife made it inside safely.
Hartell said he saw Al Hayek leaning over the fence trying to hit his neighbor. Al Hayek then returned to his car, pulled something from under a seat and spun around, Hartell said.
“People are telling him to leave and I’m telling him ‘drop it, drop it’ and he did not want to respond to any of it,” Hartell said.
Hartell heard people screaming “gun” and fired after his wife screamed and dropped to the ground.
“All I know is there was a man with a gun, and I didn’t want to die, and I didn’t want my wife to die,” Hartell said. “But the worst thing that could have happened, happened. I didn’t want him to die, I just wanted him to not shoot us.”
According to police reports, Spokane police Detective Theresa Ferguson expressed concern to Hartell in November that he armed himself with a 9 mm handgun after the argument began. Hartell – who passed a polygraph examination regarding the shooting – said he was carrying the handgun at his side when he saw Al Hayek grab what turned out to be an Airsoft gun.
Al Hayek’s family is dubious of the self-defense claim.
“He armed himself when he heard an argument. There was absolutely no threat,” said Issa Al Hayek, George’s older brother. “That’s an intent to kill somebody.”
George Al Hayek, who would have turned 27 in November, moved to Spokane from Washington, D.C., in May. He planned to move his wife and young daughter here soon.
His family says they never saw him with the Airsoft gun and question whether it may have been planted after he was shot. But state lab tests showed no traces of Hartell’s DNA on the gun and heavy traces of Al Hayek’s. Police also found BBs for the Airsoft gun in the center console of Al Hayek’s car.
Hartell, who has no serious criminal record, said he bought his handgun a couple years ago to use at a shooting range. He said he once had a permit for the gun but it expired.
Police arrived at the scene of the shooting to find Hartell performing CPR on Al Hayek. He thought he’d shot the man in his stomach, but an autopsy showed two bullet wounds to Al Hayek’s heart.
Issa Al Hayek said the family has hired a private investigator but is hopeful prosecutors will agree that murder or manslaughter charges are warranted.
“The main issue is he shot someone because he guessed he had a gun,” Issa said. “He relied on what his drunk buddies told him.”
Hartell said he was stunned when detectives told him after his first interview that he was free to leave the police station.
“I was like, ‘Why am I going home? There’s a poor man dead here.’ ”
Hartell, who works at an assisted living center, said he hasn’t made long-term plans since the shooting because he fears he could be arrested any day.
“I think the main problem is nobody’s got closure,” Hartell said.
Human trafficking suspects released 
Orphan on December 31 at 7:58 a.m.
Dont threaten people, dont attack people and you get to go home.
Why did SPD question Hartell immediatly after the incident when they have stated each time a cop shoots someone that the info gained immediatly after an incident is often innaccurate due to stress and adrenalin dump. There goes that double standard thing again
misjustice on December 31 at 8:20 a.m.
Alcohol impairs judgment. I can’t help but to wonder how much Hartell had to drink? Was he “drunk” when he retrieved his hand gun? Booze and guns don’t mix.
misjustice on December 31 at 8:55 a.m.
********Why did SPD question Hartell immediatly after the incident when they have stated each time a cop shoots someone that the info gained immediatly after an incident is often innaccurate due to stress and adrenalin dump. There goes that double standard thing again*********
This is beginning to sound old & repetitious. Get over it!
There is a chance witnesses will disappear while not so much a chance of officers disappearing and not being able to get statements.
Orphan on December 31 at 8:56 a.m.
So if you have a few drinks you lose the right to self defense?
I do agree that handling firearms while intoxicated is not a good idea, that all goes out the window in a self defense situation. Besides that we dont know if anyone was drinking maybe Al Hayek had been drinking that would explain his actions.
Why was Al Hayek attempting to hit someone over a fence at their residence, that is the question that needs answered. We will most likely never know the answer.
This whole incident is tragic and never should have happened Al Hayek used pretty poor judgement in stopping and physicaly attacking someone.
Orphan on December 31 at 9:06 a.m.
Gramma
I agree question all the witnesses that they can find as fast as they can because they may not show up later.
If SPD/SSD truely think as they spew forth after each Officer involved shooting that statements made by the shooter are often inaccurate. How can they in good faith insist on a statement that is most likely going to be inacurate and then reccomend charges based on information that they swear may be inaccurate. Remember someones life is at stake.
misjustice on December 31 at 9:09 a.m.
“Besides that we dont know if anyone was drinking…”
According to the article, “Hartell and his wife were outside drinking with neighbors…”
They could have been drinking soft drinks, but I doubt it.
elhayeki on December 31 at 9:17 a.m.
Hartell retrieved his gun from his apartment in order to respond to an argument between his intoxicated friends and the security guard across a fence from each other. Hartell fired at the security guard within a few seconds of returning to the argument. Hartell changed his story several times and admitted lying to the investigating detective, but consistently maintained that he fired prior to seeing a gun and believes that he may have mistaken the security guard’s cell phone for a gun. El-Hayak’s black cell phone was found near his body with the top flipped open for operation and powered on. Hartell never alleged that El-Hayak shot at him or that he had even moved close to the fence before Hartell fired at El-Hayak.
There was no gun near El-Hayak’s body. A BB gun was found on the other side of a chain link fence from the guard, close to where the shooter and his associates were standing and more than fifteen feet away from the victim. The gun did not contain fingerprints of El-Hayak but it did contain traces of his DNA along with DNA from two other people. Similarly, a container of BB’s was found in the console of his car that was standing with the door open for several minutes before the police secured the scene. Again, El-Hayak’s fingerprints were not identified on the container and DNA results were pending at the time the police report was released to the public. It is unclear whether El-Hayak’s DNA on the BB gun pre-existed the shooting or was added afterwards.
The closest witnesses to the shooting were Hartell’s wife, and his drinking buddies. Their stories changed several times and are mostly implausible based on the physical evidence and in comparison to each other. However, they all recalled that one or more of the drinking buddies made racial comments about Mr. El-Hayak and told him to go back to Mexico.
Hartell shoot the security guardand then yelled, “I shot him” several times.
There is probable cause to find that Hartell’s shooting of Mr. El-Hayak was performed either with the intent to kill him (2nd Degree Murder), with reckless disregard for his safety (1st Degree Manslaughter) or with criminal negligence (2nd Degree Manslaughter). Based on Hartell’s testimony, he fired before he had actually been threatened by any form of deadly force. Based on the physical evidence, it is extremely unlikely that Mr. El-Hayak was holding a firearm when he was shot. But even if El-Hayak was holding a BB gun, he was within his rights to do so under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and RCW 9.41.270(3)(a). Hartell essentially guessed that the uniformed security guard had a gun based on his intoxicated friend’s claim that he saw one, and shot El-Hayak before verifying that there was an actual threat of deadly harm.
elhayeki on December 31 at 9:19 a.m.
All the witnesses agree that Mr. Hartell’s drinking buddies initiated the conflict with the uniformed security guard, who was patrolling the alleyway. The same intoxicated individuals made several comments about the security guard’s racial heritage. When the guard retreated to his car to retrieve his cell phone to either take a picture of the troublemakers or call for assistance, he was shot and killed by Mr. Hartell. Mr. Hartell never saw a gun before shooting, but instead reportedly relied on his drunken associates report that the cell phone was a gun. Even if the security guard had brought out a BB gun, he did not shoot it at anyone and Mr. Hartell shot him before he would even have had a chance to aim it. It is lawful for a person to display a firearm at his fixed place of business, and doing so did not provide Mr. Hartell with a legal excuse for shooting Mr. El-Hayak. A jury could and should find beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Hartell is guilty of the crime of killing Mr. El-Hayak. The only question is the degree of culpability between Manslaughter and Second Degree Murder.
Liberty_Bell on December 31 at 9:37 a.m.
At least we know Steve Tucker told him to use the;
“Oh, I messed up” look? to explain his crime of murder, just go ask about the Cranch murder, where the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Amendment are always confusing Steve Tucker!
Itsgodswill on December 31 at 9:39 a.m.
Thanks for posting the longest comment i’ve ever seen, and then immediately paraphrasing what you had just said. I really needed that kind of clarification.
Liberty_Bell on December 31 at 9:47 a.m.
And Orphan?
How do you get to go home, when your already home, and are murdered by a Spokane, home of the Clueless County Sheriff’s Deputys?
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/dec/19/recent-cases-raise-notion-of-inquests/
Liberty_Bell on December 31 at 9:56 a.m.
Of course the old Ku Klux Act of 1871 is still confusing the Spokane County Sheriff, Prosecutor, and Citizen, vote left coast Klansman, and Tucker Too!
Shown best, in the real courthouse, not the 9th Circus Model’s Kangaroo Court!
http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/09-350.ZO.html
elhayeki on December 31 at 10:02 a.m.
Itsgodswill,
You are most welcome. Just making sure things are not taken out of context.
oneanddone on December 31 at 10:07 a.m.
Same old tripe from the same old posters. Some people need to turn off the turnip machine and go outside.
elhayeki on December 31 at 10:17 a.m.
Liberty_Bell,
Exactly. Messed up look feels guilty of murder. Knows committed a crime but is protected by the justice system in Spokane, WA. There is a GOD.
SugarShane on December 31 at 10:18 a.m.
Where are all the people that defend cops shooting people? Sounds like the same kind of circumstances. Oh yeah, cops get special liscense to defend their lives that citizens need to actually be shot at before discharging a wepon. Why not tell cops to live by that? Wheres your shoot first ask questions later machismo? People make mistakes, sometimes fatal, its part of living in a gun filled society that glorifies the old west and shootouts. Pick up a video game and blow people away at your leisure, become desensitized to violence.
elhayeki on December 31 at 10:29 a.m.
Even the shooter thinks he should go to jail for a crime he committed. Where is justice?
Liberty_Bell on December 31 at 10:35 a.m.
elhayeki,
Exactly, the Spokane County Klansman’s Associoation, also being discussed by Rob McKenna, Attorney General about liability of state actors, in violation of the laws of the United States and State of Washington.
The most recent opinion on “customs and policy” from our United States Supreme Court, finally overuling the San Franscisco Kangaroo Court, clarifying the Ku Klux Act of 1871, for Steve Tucker himself.
oneanddone? the tripe between many ears is getting very, very expensive, that’s why going outside for legal counsel, is always most effective.
Chapter 9 bankruptcy, from a California model, explained today by Rob McKenna
Like that 9th Circus, Kangaroo Court of Appeals
“Oh I messed up too!” What else is new?
lewis8457 on December 31 at 10:50 a.m.
This family will see justice in some form. The families that will never see justice are those that have lost family to police shootings. There is no justice there.
Gramma one point, if the cops don’t have to make immediate statements because it has been proven immediate statements are not accurate but OK for a citizen to be forced into a immediate statement even though they know it may not be accurate.
Can we then as citizens assume that the police are recommending prosecuting people that might have said the wrong words during immediate interrogation, and believe that is justice? Or not care?
Yeh lawyers did you see that! Loophole, big enough to drive a Mac truck through.
Boy it just gets worse and worse doesn’t it? How many have made immediate statements and went to jail, time to reopen those cases?
Albert on December 31 at 11:07 a.m.
I know that I’m missing a major point in this article, however did anyone participating in this massive disaster ever think about calling 911??? How about simply walking away? Alcohol, ego’s, ever-increasing tempers and the outcome is predictable. Now Mr. Hartell can live with the fact that his alcohol enhanced decision caused the death of another man. In the end, the old saying of “what goes around - comes around” will provide the justice required to settle this matter. Very sad.
elhayeki on December 31 at 11:52 a.m.
There were six 911 calls that night. One from the the spouse of the shooter. Another from the drunk associate Mr. Hawley. Another from a private citizen trying to get into the apartment complex. Another call from Mr. King, a resident from the apartment complex. Another from a news reporter. This is all public records. The 911 call from the spouse says, “I think the security guard pulled out a gun but I am not sure if it is a gun or not”.
misjustice on December 31 at 12:01 p.m.
Common sense, to me, would have dictated going inside, and STAYING inside, until the police responded to the 9-1-1 call.
IF there was a threat, it seems to me that it would have been prudent to retreat to the relative safety of a building; not challenging an alleged “threat” and lobbing racial slurs. But I’m funny that way.
elhayeki on December 31 at 12:16 p.m.
That would be the common sense thing to do. The shooter had been drinking. He drank four 16 ounces Hurricane beers and a loco prior to the shooting. Was still sipping on a beer during the shooting. There were two beer cans in the alley behind the security guard’s car. Why where the beer cans thrown in the alley at the security guard?
Orphan on December 31 at 1:59 p.m.
Mr. Al Hayek also did not have to stop his car, get out, verbaly argue, try to hit someone over a fence either. Mr. Al Hayek had quite a few places he could have ended the encounter he instead chose to escalate the encounter several times. Several of you point out, correctly I might add, that Mr. Hartell could have just gone inside. On the same vein Mr Al Hayek did not have to stop get out of his car argue or take a swing at someone who was at their lawful residence. There is no duty to retreat in Washington if you are somewhere you are lawfully allowed to be.
This whole incident could have been prevented by both sides several times. I doubt that Mr Hartell will be charged as long as he sticks to his story that he was in fear of his, his wifes or his friends lives.
elhayeki on December 31 at 2:12 p.m.
How do you shoot someone without seeing a gun in their hand then you hear the word “gun” from your drunk associate and shoot a uniformed security guard assuming he had a gun in his hand while he had a cell phone. The Airsoft pistol was more than 15 feet away from the body. The gun was within 2 feet away. Mr. Hartell shot as soon as he got back without asking any questions. I guess, it will be up to the prosecutor to decide.
elhayeki on December 31 at 2:15 p.m.
Two beer cans were thrown in the alleway. It is his job to protect the alleway and the Pepsi bottling plant. If I were a secuirty guard I would stop and ask the drunk people throwing the beers at me to stop doing that or I will call the police. Mr. Al Hayek went to his car to get a cell phone then got shot on the spot. Think about it.
nslopeofw on December 31 at 3:01 p.m.
Sounds like a bunch of drunks messed up and killed a man. Hartell should be in jail. His buddies are a pile of worthless bigots, and he may be as well. He shot and killed a man because he was drunk. If he’d been driving, this would be vehicular homicide.
Sorry for your loss elhayeki. No one should loose their younger brother to something like this.
Orphan on December 31 at 3:12 p.m.
elhayeki Is the allyway a private or public allyway? If its private you may have a very small bit of an argument if its public the police are the ones responsable for littering enforcement not a private security officer.
Security officers are there to observe and report not to confront the neighbors, I am willing to bet Mr. Hayek broke company policy when he confronted the neighbors.
Everyone involved should have stepped down and walked away. Unfortunatly Mr. Hayek escalated the situation repeatedly. It appears to have gone from a 2 way verbal spat to Mr. El Hayek getting out of the car and approching the others 1st escalation. Then he tired to strike someone over a fence escalation #2 then he goes back to the car reaches into the car and turns around with something in his hand escalation #3. Was it unreasonable to think Mr. Al Hayek was escalating the violance.level, I would not think so. Nor would it be unreasonable to defend yourself after all the situation had already escalated several times. Unfortunatly for Mr. Al Hayek the escalation was done where someone lives at their private property, that is going to make a big difference in the eyes of the law.
If you are a relitive of Mr. Al Hayek please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Pat O'Leary on December 31 at 3:12 p.m.
Guns and drunks don’t mix. No different than driving a car while drunk. The shooter belongs in jail as this tragedy needlessly escalated because of booze. He is an idiot.
Orphan on December 31 at 3:42 p.m.
Pat OLeary Your confusing a right and a privilage, driving is a privilage defending yourself is a right. Big big difference. Following your logic if you drink you should have no right to free speach. II you have had a few drinks the Police can search you home. If you have had a few drinks you cant go to church on Sunday.
Are you saying that Mr. Al Hayek was drunk because he was the one that escalated the situation from an verbal spat to getting shot. Mr. Al Hayek acording to the artical attacked someone 1st by attempting to hit them across a fence. If you do that to a Police officer then retreat to your car and turn around with something in your hand you will most likely get yourself shot. Its no different for a civilian even if he has been drinking.
Constitutional rights do not cease to exist because of alcohol or for any other reason they are inherant.
Liberty_Bell on December 31 at 4:24 p.m.
Orphan?
“Unfortunatly for Mr. Al Hayek the escalation was done where someone lives at their private property, that is going to make a big difference in the eyes of the law.”
And Mr Creach, shot on his private property in the dark by a trespasser?
I guess any shooter is now justified, as long as your shooting someone on his own property, or not?
Liberty_Bell on December 31 at 4:25 p.m.
And Orphan?
When you state “civilian” does that actually mean the difference between the military or the civil power?
Orphan on December 31 at 4:54 p.m.
Liberty Bell
The Creach shooting was wrong for different reasons, Hertzel will walk on that one I am afraid for the same reasons Hartell will walk. Creach was not the agressor Hertzel was a trained Law enforcment officer and is held by law to a higher standard when using deadly force. Of course that higher standard is mostly ignored by Mr. Tucker.
I am using “civilian” in the contex of anyone that is not law enforcment. Thank you for asking for clarification.
force_vector on December 31 at 6:08 p.m.
Some of the comments on this story make no sense to me. An already tense situation was escalated rapidly when Mr. Hayak went to his car for a bb gun. Mr. Hartell was at his own home with his wife and had no duty to retreat. There was obviously a fence separating Hayak and the group, so introducing a bb gun into to mix was Very poor judgement. Mr. Hartell, drinking with his friends or not, was perfectly in the right to respond as he did. He obviously wishes none of this ever happened, and regrets Mr. Hayak made him choose potentially who lives and dies in what should have been a short lived, no consequence situation. Mr. Hayak made every mistake possible it seems, and for that he lost his life and Mr. Hartell has to live with his own. Bottom line: never ever pull a bb gun. Ever. If you pull a real gun, you better need to use it and plan to. Mr. Hartell, based on Mr. Hayak’s actions, was right to do what he did. I’m sure that’s of little comfort to him though.
elhayeki on December 31 at 6:57 p.m.
He [Jason Michael Hartell] calls it an “Oh, I messed up” look. SO, he saw the security guard’s face but never saw a gun in the security guard’s hand? Give me a break.
elhayeki on December 31 at 7:04 p.m.
force vector
Where you there? Did you see what happened?
elhayeki on December 31 at 7:17 p.m.
Officer Zac Storment- First to scene, found Hartell giving CPR to uniformed guard. Car engine and lights on. Interviews Jason but not in custody. Admits to one hurricane beer earlier. Nathan and driver were in heated argument. Jason said he left to go pee. When he returned argument escalated and and guard tried to punch (Nathan?) over fence. Jason told guard to leave. He refused and said I’ll f–— shoot you. Went to car and Jason heard racking. Guard turned toward him. Jason yelled drop it. When he kept turning he shot him three times. Never says that he saw a gun. Jason wasn’t sure what was in guard’s hand, said might have been a cell phone. Jason then overhead Officer saying he had found a BB gun and Jason then started insisting that he had seen a gun. Jason demonstrated distance between him and guard at time of shooting and officer estimated it at 25 feet. Jason described the vehicle as approaching from the west but it was parked heading the opposite direction when the police arrived
truthurts on December 31 at 8:08 p.m.
Having actually read the police report, I can say that this article is nothing but disinformation and anyone who takes it seriously might as well go watch Fox Noise. The truth will never be reported in the Spokezion Review and the medias spin on this tragic event is nothing but disrespect to the family. The article says that Jason Hartell passed a polygraph test but fails to mention the minor detail that Terry Furguson’s husband was the officer who administered this test. Isn’t it a conflict of interest to have husband and wife working on the same case? I think Jason hartell was coached by Detective Furguson and her husband in order to cover something up. She did it before. My question is this; What connection does Jason Hartell have to the SPD that would warrant such activity? Is he an informant? He does live right smack dab in the middle of meth country. If he were just another junkie, the police wouldn’t bother. Maybe he has family who are on the force. Or maybe he is part of the FBI’s secret gang taskforce which is heavy in this area. Whoever he is he won’t escape justice. If the law doesn’t get him, kharma will. One thing is certain, Jason Hartell is not sorry. If he were, he would make this right. Don’t believe everything you read.
force_vector on December 31 at 8:13 p.m.
Elhayeki- were you? The police report you posted, assuming correct, screams poor judgement by the guard. He could have and should have just driven away and called the police. Instead, it seems, he didn’t like that his “orders” such as a “guard” can give were ignored, he pushed the issue, and paid the price. Unfortunate for all.
truthurts on December 31 at 8:51 p.m.
Oh, and Terry Furguson? 25 years of losing evidence. Just ask Otto Zehm’s family. Both the police report and the 911 tapes prove that Jason and his buddies had been drinking all day but Mrs. Ferguson insisted that “He was not drunk. I can tell when someone is drunk”. I guess you can’t argue with that kinda logic.
force_vector on December 31 at 9:25 p.m.
truthhurts- so what? The guard pulled a gun. doesn’t matter if he pulled it on a guy who had no drinks or more than a few. the guard screwed up plain and simple.
dolphinlove on December 31 at 9:49 p.m.
The gaurd didnt pull a gun! he pulled out his cell phone, even Hartell admitted to that! the only person who said he had a gun was his drunk friend. I have been following this case as well, I heard the 911 calls and I was surprised to hear Hartells drunk friends claiming that Elhayek was SHOOTING at them,,,the funny thing is that they were so drunk they couldnt even remember thier address!! The dispatcher asked several times, “SIr, you got shot at?” and he replied :” yes I got shot at!”
Well, what do you think now? If that truly happened then Mr.Hartell’s defense would be more like ” yes I saw a gun because Elhayek was shooting my freinds with it” but what he is REALLY saying is ” I saw something dark and i dont know it could have been his cell phone that he pulled out of his car and that is when i shot him 3 times until he fell to the ground”
Really! you call this SELF DEFENSE!
Hatell had absolutly No RIGHT to kill this security guard. He has been SECURING that area for 5 months before he was MURDERED>
elhayeki on December 31 at 10:44 p.m.
Force _vector:
Only God and Mr. Hartell know what happened that night. Jason has to live with himself for the rest of his life. Jason knows that he did. He needs to take responsibly for his actions whether under the influence of alcohol or marijuana. Hartell admitted that he never saw a gun in the security guard’s hand through the whole police report but took it upon himself to make a very bad decision while under the influence to shoot three fatal shots into a uniformed security guard simply doing his job that has been called a “terrorist” asked to go back to his country, etc… The question is very simple: do we want residents in Spokane, WA to kill a uniformed officer before a real threat is presented to them? I guarantee that the prosecutor will charge Mr. Hartell with either murder or manslaughter in the next couple of weeks. It is just a matter of time. Only time will tell. Hopefully, in the new year of 2011 justice will be served for the security guard and his family. Maybe Spokane can open its mind to all people of different colors, religions, and beliefs.
BRUCE72 on January 01 at 12:02 a.m.
Orphan.
YOU SAID.”Mr. Al Hayek also did not have to stop his car, get out, verbaly argue, try to hit someone over a fence either”. WHO DID SAY THAT??IT WAS THE KILLER AND THE FRIENDS OF THE KILLER,,,SO THIS STATMENT IT COULD BE WRONG BECAUSE WHO DOES KILL WILL NEVER SAY THE TRUE AND PUT HIS SELF IN JAIL..AND WHY WOULD OFF A SECURITY GAURD TO DO THAT???
2 YOU SAID ”Security officers are there to observe and report not to confront the neighbors, I am willing to bet Mr. Hayek broke company policy when he confronted the neighbors”.
WE ALL KNOW THE RULES OF SECURITY OFFICERS..ALHAYEK HAS THAT RIGHT IF HE SAW ANY PROBLEM TO TALK TO THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE IF THEY DIDN’T LISTEN THEN HE OBSERVE AND REPORT THAT TO THE POLICE AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT MR . ALHAYEK HAD DONE, SO HE TRY TO TALK TO THEM FIRST AND ASKED THEM WHY THEY THROW A BEER CAN ON HIM AND SAY RECIAL WORDS TO HIM AND THEY ARUGED WITH HIM AND HE SAY HE IS GOING TO CALL THE POLICE AFTER THAT MR HARTEL HE DECIDE TO KILL HIM BECAUSE HE DOESN’T WONT HIM TO CALL THE POLICE FOR WHAT THEY DONE BECAUSE THEY GOING TO BE CHARGED..
3 YOU SAID AGAIN ” Unfortunatly Mr. Hayek escalated the situation repeatedly. It appears to have gone from a 2 way verbal spat to Mr. El Hayek getting out of the car and approching the others 1st escalation. Then he tired to strike someone over a fence escalation #2 then he goes back to the car reaches into the car and turns around with something in his hand escalation #3. Was it unreasonable to think Mr. Al Hayek was escalating the violance.level, I would not think so. Nor would it be unreasonable to defend yourself after all the situation had already escalated several times. Unfortunatly for Mr. Al Hayek the escalation was done where someone lives at their private property, that is going to make a big difference in the eyes of the law ”.
YOU ACTUALY MAKE ME LAUGH BECAUSE YOU TRY TO DEFEND THE KILLER IT SEEMS YOU RELATED TO HIM. YOU SHOULD READ THE POLICE REPORT AND SEE THE PIC AND AFTER THAT YOU SHOULD TALK ABOUTIT…
YOUR TALKING IS ALL ABOUT THAT MR . ALHAYEK ESCALET THE SITUATION.HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?????THIS ALL TALKING IS ABOUT WHAT THE WITNESS SAYS AND THE KILLER WHO ALL THEY ARE A FRIEND..THEY ALL TRY TO HIDE THEIR CRIMES..
I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THIS CASE FROM THE BEGINING, AND I SAW PIC. OF ALHAYEK BODY WHERE IT WAS…
There was no gun near El-Hayak’s body. A BB gun was found on the other side of a chain link fence from the guard, close to where the shooter and his associates were standing and more than fifteen feet away from the victim. The gun did not contain fingerprints of El-Hayak but it did contain traces of his DNA along with DNA from 3 other people..
Mr. alhayek was shot and killed by Mr. Hartell. never saw a gun before shooting, but instead reportedly relied on his drunken associates report that the cell phone was a gun…
And Mr. hartell said to the reporter “”The look on the man’s face is what I remembers the most.
He calls it an “Oh, I messed up” look. He saw it just after he shot security guard George Al Hayek three times in a confrontation in east Spokane last summer.
he saw the security guard’s face but never saw a gun in the security guard’s hand? Give me a break.
MR. HARTELL AND HIS FRIENDS THEY SHOULD BE IN JAIL FOR MURDERING THE POOR SECURITY GUARD . IT’S AN HATE CRIMES
I FEEL SOO SORRY FOR THE GUARDS FAMILY WE SHOULD ALL PRAY FOR THEM FOR THEIR LOST..
force_vector on January 01 at 8:54 a.m.
Washington is a no yield state. Residents should consider that when reacting to a situation. If you give reason to believe that you are going to escalate a confrontation by reaching behind your back, getting something from your car, et cetera, then don’t be shocked when similar measures are taken against you in return. As I said, the guard was not in danger because there was a physical barrier between them. He should have driven away and called the police from an out-of-the-way location. He chose instead to take things further, apparently acted in a way that led Mr. Hartell to believe his life or that of his wife’s was in danger, and he reacted within his rights. If you can walk away, do so.
Also, with reference to the influence of alcohol, I wasn’t there, but if 2 shots out of three are placed in the heart, I doubt the shooter could have been “drunk”. With reference to the racially insensitive remarks, stupid people are born every second. If you can’t keep your composure around them, then being a “guard” isn’t a good career choice, as you will run into them often I’m guessing.
“Maybe Spokane can open its mind to all people of different colors, religions, and beliefs.” This statement is way too general and implies Spokane as a whole is racist. There are racists everywhere, and they come in all colors, and from all back grounds, but they are not the norm. So, let’s not generalize.
elhayeki on January 01 at 11:30 a.m.
Force vector:
As you said, Hartell was not in danger because there was a physical barrier between them. He should have called the police from an out-of-the-way location, clue, such as his apartment. He chose instead to go to his apartment and arm himself without being confronted with any sort of threat; apparently if he weren’t intoxicated then he might have called the cops or waited to insure the security guard indeed had a gun before firing. You are missing the whole point. . It is lawful for a person to display a firearm at his fixed place of business, and doing so did not provide Mr. Hartell with a legal excuse for shooting Mr. El-Hayek. But even if El-Hayek was holding a BB gun, he was within his rights to do so under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and RCW 9.41.270(3)(a). Mr. Hartell essentially guessed that the uniformed security guard had a gun based on his intoxicated friend’s claim that he saw one, and shot El-Hayek before verifying that there was an actual threat of deadly harm.
The phone was found next to his body, flipped open for calling and powered on. (See 8/26/10 Madsen Report at p. 4.) According to the scaled map in the report and the photographs of the sence, the BB gun, was over fifteen feet away and on the other side of a six foot high chain link fence.
Jason Hartell’s transcribed statement of 8/25/10 further supports the reporting of Detective Ferguson that he never saw a gun:
TF: Did you ever see what he had in his hand?
JH: Never. I never did see what he had in his hand.
(Hartell Transcription at p. 27.) He ends the recorded interview confirming that he never knew if the guard had a gun. “ I feel sorry for that guy and I really, really don’t know that he actually have (sic) a gun. I don’t know. (at p. 30).
Get it? It is the security guard job to secure the area and keep drunks from throwing beer cans in the alleyway. Besides, the drunks are the ones that initiated the confrontation. You telling me, you would walk away from your duty. Mr. El Hayek took his job seriously.
I lived in Spokane for four years, there are a lot of good people in Spokane but generally speaking I discovered Spokane to be a red neck/good old boy town that discriminates against any person of color. If Mr. Hartell, were a person of color, I guarantee you he would have been in jail right now doing a life sentence. He isn’t. He is an Anglo-Saxon boy of European descent born in IDAHO. The home of the KU KLUX KLAN.
It is unclear whether the BB gun belonged to Mr. El-Hayek or was placed there by one of Mr. Hartell’s associates. At a minimum, it would be reasonable to compare DNA samples of the other individuals on the scene and Mr. Hartell’s son, who he says had an interest in guns and who the witness says was playing with guns in the complex previous to the shooting. Even if Mr. El-Hayek did own the BB gun, Mr. Hartell did not see him remove it from the vehicle or point it at anyone. There is simply no explanation for the location of the BB gun other than someone other than Mr. El-Hayek placing it on the other side of the fence under the barbecue, fifteen feet away from Mr. El Hayek’s body.
This article was well written; however, did not provide an in-depth research. The reporter met her deadline and used a hook to involved the reader. This article deals with a dead body.
BRUCE72 on January 01 at 2:16 p.m.
Force _vector:
Mr. Hartell knows what happened that night. Jason has to live with himself for the rest of his life for what he has done. Jason knows that he did, killed a decent person because of Hate and jealousy. Racism is huge in the USA. I have traveled in many countries in the world and didn’t experience racism as much as in Spokane, WA. No white person in the USA wants to talk about racism in America because it does not affect them at all. Institutional racism only affects people of color. American institutions are setup up for white Americans not African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Asian-Americans, etc…
Mr. Hartell and his wife and drunken associates don’t have respect for themselves to begin with, do we expect them to respect an authority figure such as a security guard who is a father to a five year old girl and husband to a wife, whom is doing his job.
For instance, Mr. Hartell does not have money to purchase health insurance for him and family but yet has money to buy alcohol, marijuana, and a pistol. If Mr. Hartell has respect for himself and his family then he might want to spend his money on providing a better quality life for his wife and children. Mr. Hartell filed bankruptcy both in Idaho and Washington and was evicted of a house that was given to him. The only reason he shot the uniformed security guard that was on duty that night is because of hate for immigrants and jealousy. Hate crime is written all over this case.
Mr. Hartell should be in jail right now because he brings danger to good Spokane residents and give Spokane natives a bad reputation. That is the law should serve justice.
Vector_Force: Before defending Mr. Hartell and his negligent criminal behavior of ending the life of a decent human being who is working to protect that shady neighborhood from drug dealers, gang-bangers, and prostitutes. Mr. El Hayek died doing his job. How would you like to get harassed, made fun of, and ridiculed because of your ethnic background or your thick accent while at work and then get shot three fatal bullets to the chest area?
How could you be so judgmental based on an article that was not well researched or lacked pertinent information to this case. May God forgive you, open your heart and mind, and give this security guards family justice and closure.
force_vector on January 01 at 4:21 p.m.
I am not being judgmental. I am simply analyzing the probability of this being a “hate crime” or simply an argument that got out of hand. I am analyzing the probability that a gun was “planted”, or the young man had it in his possession, hoping it would influence things in his favor. I am analyzing the probability that the hand gun was fired with premeditated intent to murder, or in self defense, whether required or not. I am analyzing the probability of this whole things starting because of race, or because a security guard, not a COP, went too far and crossed a line that he shouldn’t have, resulting in a confrontation that wound up including ignorant comments (what confrontation doesn’t involve stupid stuff being said?). When I analyze all the probabilities, it seems the likelihood of a murder committed due to some racial bias is extremely low. About as low as assuming this must be the case since Mr. Hartwell is from Idaho. I don’t know the guy, and have no reason to “defend” him. I’m just saying what I think is the more likely scenario.
Racingmom on January 03 at 9:45 a.m.
I have to agree with Force Vector on this one……
I do not know anyone involved in this case but in reading the story (and some of the posts), I will say this - it appears the security guard left the fence, “returned to his car, pulled something from under a seat and spun around”… If I was there, I would have thought the man was going for a gun. Was there an actual perceived threat? Yes.
And as far as planting evidence…. come on…. “But state lab tests showed no traces of Hartell’s DNA on the gun and heavy traces of Al Hayek’s. Police also found BBs for the Airsoft gun in the center console of Al Hayek’s car.” “Heavy traces” means much more than someone planting another person’s fingerprints on a gun. This is not TV.
And, “Police arrived at the scene of the shooting to find Hartell performing CPR on Al Hayek”. My heart goes out to al Hayek’s family and to all those involved as well. This is a horrible tragedy, but does not warrant murder charges (in my opinion).
elhayeki on January 03 at 4:40 p.m.
I would have to disagree with you racing mom. You got to get your hands on the police report before you can make a judgment.
Ok. You said: “I will say this - it appears the security guard left the fence, “returned to his car, pulled something from under a seat and spun around”… If I was there, I would have thought the man was going for a gun. Was there an actual perceived threat? Yes.
Ok. Then how did the gun get over to the other side of the fence about 15 feet away from the body? The BB gun was found on the shooter’s side. Did you think about that? You see, the story does not add up. It does not make any sense? Mr. Hartell repeatedly throughout the police report that he has NEVER SEEN A GUN in the security guard’s hand but assumed it was a gun and chose to fire three fatal bullets penetrating through the security guards heart killing him instantly. You don’t shoot someone assuming he/she had a gun. Come one now! The threat has to be real not perceived.
What the reporter failed to mention was that according to the DNA examination, the BB gun had heavy traces of DNA that belonged to three other individuals. There were four people at the scene: Mr. Hartell, Kim Hartell/McCallister, Jeff Hawley, and Nathan. Mr. Hawley jumped over the fence while Mr. Hartell was performing CPR. There were no fingerprints at all on the BB gun to begin with. Why wasn’t the DNA compared to Mr. Hartell’s wife, Mr. Hawley, and or Nathan’s?
A witness from the apartment building has said that they have seen Mr. Hartell’s son playing with a toy or BB gun that earlier the same day of the shooting. Why cannot the police compare the DNA to Mr. Hartell’s son? Just some facts for you to simmer on, would be interested in your thoughts after reading this comment.
See, the reporter is merely interested in publishing her story by meeting a deadline rather than convey the truthful facts/evidence that are in the police report. I guarantee you that the reporter did not read the lengthy 700 page report.
John_Fever_Richmond on January 05 at 1:03 p.m.
Excellent points Elhayeki … . . SR answer please?
MeghannC on January 06 at 10:40 p.m.
Just read these comments. I can assure you I read the 700-page report.
elhayeki on January 07 at 3:42 a.m.
Meghann,
If you can assure us that you read the report in its entirety then why did you not mention how far the BB gun was and the location of it in relation to the body? Also, how come you did not mention anything about how many DNA traces were found on the BB? Three other people besides Mr. El Hayek’s had DNA on that BB.
Another question: Why was your article biased and slanted towards the shooter? Did someone censor your article?
This article was not balanced by any means. It expressed the shooters perspective more than anything. The way it is written, makes the shooter sound like a victim when he ended a security guard’s life because he thought he might have a gun in this hand. He shot a uniformed officer without any real threat. The security officer has a cell phone in his hand. If the security guard has a BB gun, then why would the BB gun be on the other side of the fence (shooter’s side) fifteen feet away from the body of Mr. El Hayek while the cell phone only one to two feet? One has to read between lines to get the truth.
This article is yet another version of Hartell’s story of what happened that night. According to the report, there are seven versions told by the shooter as to what happened that night. Why cannot Mr. Hartell tell us what truly happened if he truly feels bad and take responsibility of his negligent behavior while intoxicated? Which version one shall we believe? Mr. Hartell also admitted to the lead detective that he lied about when he armed himself and was armed since 3:30 pm the day of the shooting. How come none of that is mentioned in your article? Or is it only selective writing?
Shall reporters report on what is going to sell or hook the readers? Or should reporters publish what truly happened that night from both sides? I am confused. Are you supposed to take sides? If so, then take the side of justice based on physical evidence not emotions conveyed by the shooter/victimizer.
On homicide cases, the public would expect a reporter to report on factual information rather than come to conclusions that are based on unfounded data/facts or emotional reactions to a few tears from the shooter feeling guilty. Mr. Hartell killed a man without any real threat and feels guilty about going to jail. Should feel guilty! Your personal conclusions/judgments in this article are based on your personal emotional encounters not facts or data.
I would have rather read an article based on facts. I would rather have seen you stick to the facts not sway the public one way or the other based on illogical emotions. Only God can judge us and nobody else. Only Mr. Hartell and God truly know what happened that night. Hartell has to live with his conscience.
BRUCE72 on January 07 at 7:58 p.m.
I agree with you ElhayekI..the article should be based on facts..
Meghann,
you should do better job than this. because i also raid the report and Elhayeki was right what he said..
dolphinlove on January 07 at 10:22 p.m.
We all know that reporters will only write things that attract an audiance. Like Hartell’s “Oh I messed up look”, I bet the reporter thought that was pretty creative. I personally think its stupid.
I cant even believe that guy! really ! “oh I my messed up look”!!!
How do you think a person is going to look after they get shot 3 times in the chest . The only person that really messed up is Mr.Hartell. Messed up big time.
truthurts on January 08 at 9:22 p.m.
I agree with Elhayeki that a journalist should be fair and accurate by reporting both sides of the story and checking facts. This article was definitely swayed toward the killer. I wonder why? Maybe the paper and the police are working together. Think about it. I am not related to the victim but I have read the report and there were many descrepencies as well as conflicting stories. Why wasn’t any of that mentioned? Or what about the miriad reports by other security guards who have dealt with jason Hartells racism in the past? We can actually prove that Jason Hartell hates minorities. There’s the detective, who is obviously racist against people of Middle Eastern descent on account of how she dealt with the Al Hayeks and the fact that she threatened the family multiple times for no reason. She threatened at least one other witness to change their story and now she’s doing it again because she didn’t like what was said in the comments section. If she would do all of this, why wouldn’t she coach this lowlife on what to say in order to avoid procecution? From day one the detective was sure that somehow this whole thing must have been George’s fault and she was determined to prove it. She even spent her whole time investigating the family of the victim instead of collecting evidence from the killer and his thug friends. There was no mention in the article of the four different DNA types on the gun. Who’s were they? Also, why were there no fingerprints on the gun? It seems it was wiped clean and planted. Why do none of the witness’s stories add up? And what about the missing wallet and GPS? I don’t feel that Meghann acted with integrity when she decided to lead her readers on with this deceptive article. I only hope that one day Journalists will write more ethically instead of tweaking facts for ratings. Another sad day for American journalism.
blackhawk on January 13 at 10:21 p.m.
To the Elheyeki family I would like first I’m really sorry this happened to your Son, brother, father, and husband… It was a tragic event that should have never happened… I know that you feel it was a hate crime and you want justice but your loved one did one thing he should not have done and that is confront someone over a few terrible words… I’m sure he was mad given that the people involved gave him little respect as a man and verbally berated him from the distance with racial or ethnic comments….He died standing up for himself as a human being like a kid would in the school yard..The only problem was he approached them near their property….I know its hard to think that his life was extinguished because of a few words, and because of a possible misunderstanding… I know you guys are in pain and want the man that took your loved ones life to face justice…. You think he needs to pay for his crime… Your confused by police reports and eyewitness interviews and feel that somebody is conspiring to protect the shooter… You think all of this is racially motivated and have pressured Detectives, reporters, and even those that live in the apartment complex to the point that they are now all afraid of your family…. The same anger that your loved one felt is now in you…. Please seek help in dealing with these feelings so that you can except the fact that your loved one made a terrible mistake…. I’m sure he would not want you to ruin other peoples lives to avenge his death….Although some of the people involved in the shooting may not be the most upstanding citizens they do have the right to protect themselves if faced with a threat….In my opinion your brother used poor judgement as an unarmed Security Officer.
He should have never waivered from the property he was hired to watch….He should have never been carrying a toy handgun in his vehicle… He was hired to protect property unarmed which means that if he saw trouble he was suppose to call law inforcement… He was not to be taking the law into his own hands… I know you all want to believe that the gun was planted after the fact…You ask why was the gun found 15ft from your brother… My question is if they had planted it why would it not be right beside him… Seems a little foolish to plant a gun 15ft away…. You also state that the 911 caller made some statement that later were changed and that they were so confused that they never even new their address… Sorry but this is typical when a shooting has accured… I would be more in line to be miffed if the caller was cool calm and collected…. Like it had been rehearsed… These were people in a pannic… Kids were even near the scene… In conclusion I am in no way telling you not to seek answers to some of your questions….One thing you do state is that their are three types of DNA on the Air Gun… If the police were conspiring to hide evidence then why would this be in the report…To give yourself your own peace of mind I would ask that samples be taken of everyone at the scene and the child in question.,,, I would want atleast two or three labs involved in the testing with one out of state… If they are not on the weapon then you’ll know that your brother had the gun…
elhayeki on January 14 at 9:24 p.m.
To Blackhawk:
What gives Mr. Nathan Richmond or Mr. Jeff Hawley the right to disrespect, belittle, or make racial derogatory comments to an unarmed security guard who is merely on duty protecting a neighborhood that the Mr. Jeff Hawley describes in the police report as “hookervile” and “drugville”? Mr. Nathan Richmond and Mr. Jeff Hawley while intoxicated all agree THAT they initiated the conflict with the uniformed security guard, who was patrolling the alleyway.
What bearing does your comment, “The only problem was he approached them near their property” has to this case? Those intoxicated individuals tossed beer cans at the uniformed security guard and before he was able to call the police with his cell phone or take photos of the trouble makers Mr. Hartell responded with lethal force, a gun, and instantly shot Mr. El Hayek without ever seeing a gun in his hand.
I already said this and worth repeating, Mr. Hartell never saw a gun before shooting, but instead reportedly relied on his drunken comrades report that the cell phone was a gun. Even if the security guard had taken out a BB gun, he did not shoot it at anyone and Mr. Hartell shot him before he would even have had a chance to aim it. Further, it is lawful for a person to display a firearm at his fixed place of business, and doing so did not provide Mr. Hartell with a lawful excuse for shooting Mr. Al-Hayek.
It is not anger that lives in anyone’s heart; it is lack of fairness, responsibility, and equality that frustrates residents of Spokane, WA. If anyone that needs to seek help it would be Mr. Hartell for killing an unarmed uniformed security guard who is trying to protect Mr. Hartell’s family and children from the neighborhood they live in. Yes, I agree with you that citizens have the right to bear arms and protect themselves under the 2nd amendment but citizens don’t have the right to commit 2nd degree murder or manslaughter. You might want to look at the revised code of Washington for additional grasp of what crimes been committed in this incident.
According to the police report and witnesses Mr. Hartell shouted, “I shot him, I shot him, I shot him” right after shooting Mr. Al Hayek. Does that sound to you like a repentant/remorseful guy?
Yes, the prosecutor and lead detective Ferguson are currently obtaining samples of everyone involved in the shooting.
Another comment worth mentioning concerning Mr. Hartell’s calm demeanor at the scene when police arrived, it gives insight into Mr. Hartell’s psychological state. One would think a state of surprise or fright but not Mr. Hartell.
If the people at the scene don’t have any DNA on the BB gun, it does not prove anything. It is only one thing to look into that is of concern regarding this case.
BRUCE72 on January 14 at 11:14 p.m.
To Blackhawk,
I know the Elhayek family that lost thier son.I have seen how respectful this family is. These people are true christians. They know the true meaning of love and PEACE. They are willing to help people they dont even know. Just ask thier neighbors, they’ll tell you how loving this family is. They love thier enemies and pray to God to forgive them. At the same time, they seek justice. Because without justice, their is no truth or love or peace.
You must have been their the night Mr.Elhayek was killed. You heard what was said to him or about him. You heard the racial comments that was said to him. Elhayek was in the alley, that is NOT their property. He is not a KID standing up for himself in the school yard. He was a security gaurd confronting trouble makers only after they threw beer cans at his car, disrespcted him as a human being by calling him names and making fun of his ethnicity.
This family is sad, heart broken, and misunderstood. They know the truth because they have the police report, the interviews, the 911 calls, the crime scene pictures, and they know for fact that thier son did not own, and never carried the clamed gun that was found 15 feet away from him and on the other side of the fence. The only thing that was in his hand, was his black cell phone. If he had a gun, it would have been next to him, just like his cell phone.
If this case is truely important to you that you took the time to write on this page,.Try to get a hold of the police report. You will be surprised to learn how Mr.Hartell and the other witnesses were not faced with any threat. They NEVER saw a gun! Mr.Elhayek never pointed a gun at them in any given moment.
Mr. elhayek did not carry a gun in his car. It was the same individuals that initiated the conflict who claimed he had a gun. Who wants to believe a bunch of drunks, especially after the police found only his cell phone next to his body and this toy gun was found on the trouble makers side of the fence, I think its foolish not to believe its not thiers. After all, they were talking about guns earlier that day, accrodng to the police report that you dont have, and MR.Hartell did have a gun on him (not licensed) and ended up using it.
The 911 calls is only another piece of the puzzle. Mr.Hartells friend was saying that the security gaurd pulled out a gun and started shooting at them with it!! he repeated it more then one time, that he got shot at. Yet the gun that was found on thier side of the fence was a empty toy! And Mr.Hartell admits in his interviwes repeatdly that he never saw what was in Mr.Elhayek’s hand, and that he only heard his drunk friends crying gun gun.
Before you accuse this family of pressuring law emforcement, journalist and even people living in the apartment, please remember they lost a loved one. They are not killers! the people at the apartment should be scared from people you drink heavily, threaten security officers, then shoot them till they die.
I wish you read the police report then visit this webpage again, I am sure you’ll have a different opinion. Unless you already know the truth but you’re trying to defend a bunch of criminals for whatever reason that mightbe.
elhayeki on January 16 at 7:27 p.m.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
–Archbishop Desmond Tutu
“Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.
–Proverbs 31:8
Methinks on January 19 at 9:20 a.m.
I completely agree with Blackhawk! Good post. I am NOT surprised by the neighbors feeling threatened and afraid for their lives, I would be too. I have met this family in the past and do believe there is a lot of anger and hatred. They obviously will never believe their family member did wrong - maybe that is their culture.
elhayeki on January 19 at 8:42 p.m.
Methinks-Have you been outside of Spokane, WA before? If you have, you would not have made such an ignorant statement by generalizing a group of people based on what you read or heard in the newspaper. My advise for you would be to get on an airplaine sometimes soon to see what the world has to offer for you. I will pray for you.
elhayeki on January 19 at 8:45 p.m.
Methinks, are you saying that you would be happy if someone shot your loved one-brother, son, father, or whatever the case maybe, without any real threat? Mr. Hartell never saw a gun. Next time you make a post make sure that you use some facts not emotions. Will continue to pray for “good old boy” town of Spokane to plant bombs on an MLK, JR. march. That speaks volumes.
Methinks on January 19 at 9:20 p.m.
I don’t know many people who would be okay with having a loved one shot and killed. However, in the heat of trouble, we don’t always make good decisions. I do believe the security guard made a grave mistake in his actions of escalating the argument, going to his car and then returning to the scene of the argument. Whether the the gunman visually saw a gun or not, a mistake was made and the security guard paid the ultimate price. I am sorry for that.
I’m not sure what the security guards death has to do with the bomb attempt. I’m sorry that you think a bomb in the middle of a MLK JR march is a good idea.
GenePoole on January 19 at 11:31 p.m.
How can Mestinks claim to know the family when it is plain to see that she doesn’t. If she did then she would tell you that despite all of the sh!t (and there has been a lot of
sh!t) that this family has had to endure, they still thank God for what they have… each other. But now they are one short (actually two short if you count the son who is being held hostage by the Ukrainian government) and Methinks has the nerve to lie about something like claiming to know the family in order to convince God knows who that somehow this is all the fault of the family and not the murderer Jason Hartell . I can honestly tell you, having known the El-Hayek family for a long time, that they are not angry in the slightest. They are grief stricken and very, very sad but they are not angry people. The El-Hayek family are some of the nicest, loving, most generous people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and violence isn’t even in their language. The word hatred was thrown carelessly by Methinks which I would like to comment on. This word “hatred” is actually the word witnesses used to describe Jason Hartell who In my opinion committed a hate crime. They are kind and virtuous people who have been driven from their homeland, The Holy Land, to this backwards ass place called Spokane where injustice is the norm. How dare you claim to know this family when it is perfectly obvious to myself and many others, that you don’t. If you can lie about this, what else are you capable of doing? Do we really want to know?
katepeace on January 19 at 11:46 p.m.
Methinks.
I think you never met this family..You are lying about that you met this family in the past..And what do you mean in the past which past after their son got killed,or before?? because what you say it doesn’t make sence..
You are not saying the truth about this family.It seems that you one of the people whose actualy friend of the killer..the way you talk shows how much you are racist against this family and shows also the hate and the anger you have for them. So i would tell you that you are the one have the hate not the Elhayek’s family. You better watch the way you talk becuase you show that we are bad American , because of one like you who dosen’t know what he is talking about….
I wanna tell you and tell other people who would like to comments about this article to know the whole story first and read the police report and know the Elhayek’s family and then write and make comments about the article or any things about this family. And i wanna add that i have been known this family almost 6 years and i know their culture very well right now. This family are respectful and true christians family, they came from the holy land were Jesus born.
They know the true meaning of love and PEACE. They are willing to help people they dont even know.They love thier enemies and pray to God to forgive them and change them. And thier home always open and they welcome any one and also they share their food with others who needs foods
GenePoole on January 19 at 11:47 p.m.
Good point Elhayeki. Leave it to Spokane to have a bomb threat on MLK Day. But I’m sure that had nothing to do with race or politics. And I’m sure the MLK marchers pulled out a bomb first so, no foul right?
BRUCE72 on January 20 at 12:01 a.m.
I completely agree with katepeace and GenePoole! Good post
GenePoole on January 20 at 12:34 a.m.
Exactly Katepeace, I couldn’t have said it better. If this impostor really knew the family as well as she claimed, then these angry words would not have been spoken. One thing is for sure, the El-Hayek family has been through enough and they don’t deserve these lies being spoken about them. Don’t believe these fcuking liars. People need to wake up. A man was murdered and the killer is free. And what gives Mr Hartell the right to speak for the dead? I guess after getting away with murder, one tends to feel invincible. Where is justice? Why are we not locking these criminals up? A killer will always be a killer and a racist will always be a racist. We need to stand up as Americans to our police and judicial systems which attempt to corrupt everything America stands for. We all need the same thing. Now let’s demand they give it back to us. Equality.
GenePoole on January 20 at 12:47 a.m.
Oh yeah, Methinks? Maybe you should learn about other cultures before you make an ignorant comment like “maybe anger and hatred are part of their culture”. Anger has nothing to do with culture and you are by definition of the word… a racist.
rac·ism
[rey-siz-uhm]
belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
Methinks on January 20 at 10:26 a.m.
I want you all to know that I don’t know the shooter. I do know that the Al Hayek family is in great pain and I am sorry for the loss of a young family member. No one should go through a tragedy like that. I do not think this was a premeditated crime. Is it not okay to have a difference of opinion and still feel compassion towards both parties? EVERYONE was wrong at the scene of the crime - it was a pure example of how an argument can go horribly wrong. I am not saying the family are not nice people, however, being Christian doesn’t mean you don’t have feelings just like everyone else. And there is definite anger towards the shooter and towards the reporter.
Workplaces: O.G., MSVL.
BRUCE72 on January 20 at 12:27 p.m.
Methinks?
The problem with this article is that it is missing a lot of facts that is in the police report. Those who read the police report cant help but think there was some premeditation such as the placement of the BB gun. Anyhow, I am not going to repeat every that was already said via ielhayek and many others that know the facts and understand this case more then anyone else. But I can assure you, and others, that the Elhayek family don’t have definite anger towords the shooter or towards the reporter, or towards anyone. If i had read this article ONLY I probably would have the same opinion as you. And even if they did feel angry, that is normal, but it doesnt mean they are a threat to people such as those who live at the apartement. Those who mad that statement such as you and blackhawk just went way above board. But there is much more to it then whatever is written on this page. Therefore I recommend to everyone, before judging this family and their lost one, undertsand that you only have 2-3 pieces out of a 1000 piece puzzle. Stop wasting your time, hurting people’s feelings which is already hurting, and leave it alone for those who really have to deal with it on a day to day bases.
Final note on this, the Elhayek family want closure, they want the truth, and the truth so far speaks that thier son did not deserve to get killed that night. He did not do anything that deserves loosing his life like that in the middle of the night.
elhayeki on January 20 at 3:01 p.m.
Methinks,
So, now it is the fault of the security guard of pullling out his cell phone to call the police or record the trouble makers? Is it his fault that Mr. Hartell shot before thinking while intoxicated? What does the bomb have anything to do with this?
The MLK, JR. marchers wanted to celebrate the day of a wonderful man when a resident in Spokane decided to plant a bomb. That does that tell us about Spokane? Racist good old boy town.
I am sure if Jason Hartell shot your loved one you would have gotten your gun and acted. Just because you made bad decisions and choices in the heat of a moment, doesn’t mean that everyone else thinks and act as you do.
Will continue to pray for you and residents in Spokane, WA to feel some equality and justice.
Methinks on January 20 at 6:26 p.m.
elhayeki - I am a little disturbed that you paint a whole CITY as a “racist good old boy town”. Your rascist/elitist generalizations of literally thousands of people make me uncomfortable and certainly lend a new light to your numerous posts…
I am sure MLK would have an issue with your generalizations of a whole community. Is that not what he fought against?
BRUCE72 on January 20 at 8:58 p.m.
methinks:
I recommend to you to get some help because you really need some help (Ro).I think you should set with your self and look in to the mirror and ask your self do I know what i’m talking about and what i’m doing???? haahahahah….
elhayeki on January 20 at 9:26 p.m.
Methinks-It seems that some of my prayers have been answered. It also seems that you might have done a little reading on Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Please continue to read about this great man and his message that is highly needed in Spokane. I will continue to pray for you, residents of Spokane, and for God to heal all mothers that have lost a child.
Your comments are irrelevant in regards to the killing of Mr. Al Hayek. If you have something of significance to share that may offer some insight on what occurred the nigh of August 24, 2010 then please share with the readers. Otherwise you should stop the personal attacks and harassment against Al Hayek family that is still grieving. I request that you only comment about known facts that you may be aware of and leave rumors and gossip at your home.
By the way, the Al Hayek family has publicly forgiven Mr. Jason Hartell for killing Mr. George Al Hayek. Forgiving Mr. Jason Hartell does not mean that the Al Hayek family will stop seeking justice. Every person is accountable for their behaviors. Mr. Hartell made a choice or a bad decision.
Below are a couple of quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for your reading gratification:
“I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.”
“Let no man pull you low enough to hate him.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
katepeace on January 20 at 9:26 p.m.
I agree with you Bruce72.
Methinks stop wasting your time, hurting people’s feelings which is already hurting,and go get some help,you really do…
katepeace on January 20 at 9:41 p.m.
Good job Elhayeki, i agree with that..
Methinks should only have something of significance to share that may offer some insight on what occurred the night of August 24, 2010 then please share with the readers. Otherwise you should stop the personal attack to the Elhayek’s family.