On a summer evening in July of 2016, the life of 43-year-old Janell Renee Knight was tragically cut short. Remembered for her whimsical and eclectic nature, she had a love for vintage clothing, elaborate hats, and collecting unique trinkets. Those who knew her described her as fiercely loyal and devoted to the people she loved, someone who brought friendship, joy, and laughter to those around her.
The events that led to her death unfolded at her rural home southeast of Woodland,
Washington, which she shared with Joseph Mark Lamar. On the evening of July 15th, Brent W. Luyster arrived at their residence with Zachary D. Thompson and his girlfriend, Breanne L. A. Leigh. Later that evening, Luyster's girlfriend, Andrea D. Sibley, also arrived at the house.
Inside the home, a horrific act of violence occurred. Janell was found on her living room couch, having been fatally shot. Outside the residence, the bodies of Joseph Mark Lamar, 38, and Zachary David Thompson, 36, were discovered in the gravel driveway. Both men had also been shot. A fourth individual, Breanne Leigh, was shot in the face but managed to escape. Despite her injuries, she drove herself to a nearby convenience store and asked employees to call for help. At the hospital, she identified the shooter as Brent Luyster.
Following the shootings, a manhunt for Luyster ensued. He was apprehended the next afternoon at a makeshift campsite in a wooded area in Cowlitz County. Luyster, a man with a long and violent criminal history and numerous white supremacist tattoos, was taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder. His girlfriend, Andrea Sibley, was later arrested and charged with rendering criminal assistance.
