In the quiet community of Deer Park, Washington, the life of 53-year-old Harry Ed Giesbrecht Jr., a White/Caucasian male, was violently cut short on the evening of January 4, 2014. Giesbrecht was at his residence, enjoying a quiet evening watching television with another person, when loud knocks erupted at his door. As he went to answer, the door was kicked in, and he was fatally shot in the head.
A witness reported seeing two individuals fleeing from the scene.
The subsequent investigation led authorities to a nearby middle school where they discovered 61-year-old Richard Klepacki hiding. Klepacki had blood on his face and clothing, which was later determined to be his own. He was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder. An empty holster was found near the location where Klepacki was hiding. Despite being found near the scene, Klepacki denied any involvement or knowing anyone at Giesbrecht's apartment complex.
Months later, in June 2014, a second suspect, Anthony Tudor, was arrested in connection with the murder. During questioning, Tudor confessed to his role in the crime, admitting that he was the one who had kicked in Giesbrecht's door on that fatal night.
The investigation also uncovered a crucial piece of evidence in an unexpected way. A. 45 caliber handgun, which was later confirmed by the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab to be the weapon used to kill Giesbrecht, was discovered by an eight-year-old boy near a bus stop four blocks from the murder scene. The loaded and cocked firearm was found under some leaves and a piece of wood. A parent at the bus stop secured the weapon and contacted the authorities. The crime lab was able to match the gun to a casing found at the crime scene and the bullet recovered from the victim's body.
