Probable Cause Found To Hold Suspect In Murder Of Officer Rocha – Bail $5,000,000.00

Today in a brief court appearance the attorney for the suspect in the murder of Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha did not dispute there was probable cause to hold him in the case. Everett District Court Judge Tam Bui agreed with the Prosecution’s argument of sufficient probable cause and set bail at five million dollars for suspicion of 1st degree murder and 2nd degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Formal charges have not yet been filed but that is expected to happen this week. Per our policy we are not naming the suspect until formal charges have been filed.

According to probable cause paperwork presented to the court, an Everett Police Detective wrote that per video taken by a witness on Friday afternoon, the suspect was stopped by Officer Rocha in the parking lot of a Starbucks near 10th and Broadway, there was a struggle between the suspect and Officer Rocha, both went down on the ground and the suspect shot the officer multiple times and then drove over him in his escape from the scene in a blue mini-Cooper.

The suspect was chased through Everett and crashed at 35th and Rucker where he was taken into custody. He reportedly has warrants for his arrest and an extensive criminal history.

Dan Rocha leaves behind a wife and two sons. A memorial fund has been set up to honor Officer Rocha and support his family. The City of Everett this afternoon provided more information on the Memorial Fund:

The city is covering as much of the memorial cost as legally possible, but there are some costs government entities are not allowed to spend public funds on. That is where the private sector can be a support. The City is working to ensure we can respect the family’s wishes to remember and honor the life of Officer Dan Rocha. Private sector donations will directly support Officer Rocha’s family as well as cover a portion of the memorial the city is not legally able to fund.

Plans for a public memorial service are underway and we will pass those along once they are confirmed.