Dennis Clark Iii

Mass Murderer

Dennis Clark III and the 2013 Federal Way Mass Shooting

Overview

Dennis Clark III was responsible for a mass shooting that killed four people at the Pinewood Village Apartments in Federal Way, Washington, on April 21, 2013. Clark, who was 27 years old, began the violence by killing his live-in girlfriend inside their apartment. He then moved through the apartment complex, killing two men in the parking lot and another resident inside a neighboring apartment. The shootings occurred at approximately 9:35 p.m. in the 33300 block of 18th Lane South, near South 333rd Street and Pacific Highway South. Police officers responding to numerous emergency calls encountered Clark while the attack was still unfolding. The confrontation ended when officers shot and killed him after police said he repeatedly reached toward a handgun despite commands to stop.

The Killing of Justine Elizabeth Baez

The first victim was Clark's girlfriend, 24-year-old Justine Elizabeth Baez. Baez and Clark lived together in an apartment at Pinewood Village. Investigators determined that Clark shot Baez in the head inside their residence on the night of April 21, 2013. The killing was described by Federal Way police as a domestic violence homicide. Although the precise argument or event that immediately preceded the shooting was not publicly established, authorities found evidence that Clark had previously been involved in domestic disturbances. Baez had attended Highline Community College. After killing her, Clark armed himself and left the apartment, carrying the violence into the surrounding complex.

Shootings in the Parking Lot

After leaving the apartment, Clark entered the parking area and encountered 23-year-old Ceasar A. Valdovinos and 47-year-old Bradley A. Fischer. Reports indicated that an altercation occurred before Clark opened fire on the two men. Valdovinos suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the torso. Fischer was also shot and killed in the parking lot. Authorities did not identify either man as having any known connection to the domestic dispute between Clark and Baez. The killings appear to have occurred as residents began hearing gunshots and calling 911. Investigators later believed Clark was attempting to eliminate people who had seen him or could report his movements. ...

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Justine Baez 24 yr old Female

Names of victims emerge after deadly Federal Way shooting