Skagit-Island SMART Team Releases Identities In Officer Involved Shooting In Everett, Washington – Explains Process

The shooting happened in the back yard of the home on the other side of this fence after a call of domestic violence at the home.

UPDATE MARCH 17, 2023
SMART (Skagit-Island County) is sending out this release as an update regarding the investigation into the March 11, 2023, officer involved shooting in the 800 block of 91st Place SW, Everett, WA

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner conducted a medical examination of 58-year-old, Everett resident Charles Hubbard. They determined the cause of death to be gunshot wounds and classified the manner of death as homicide. By legal definition, “homicide” is the killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or omission of another, with death occurring at any time. It can be classified in different ways to include (1) murder, (2) homicide by abuse, (3) manslaughter, (4) excusable homicide, or (5) justifiable homicide.

SMART Investigators spent the remainder of the week processing and documenting evidence. Investigators also worked to identify any other potential evidence such as residential camera systems. Items such as this have limited retention, which makes it a priority in the investigation.

The two law enforcement officers involved in the lethal encounter have been identified as Everett Police Officer Wintch, with seven years of service and Snohomish County Deputy Bittinger, with nine years of service.

These are complex investigations with many pieces of evidence to consider. Independent Investigation Teams (IIT) such as SMART are comprised of Detectives and Command Staff from multiple agencies. When called into action, the first step in the investigative process is to separate all from the process who represent the involved agencies.

With the passage of Washington State Initiative 940 in 2018, and Substitute House Bill 1064 in 2019, incidents where the use of deadly force by a peace officer results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm require an independent investigation. This investigation must be conducted in the same manner as a criminal investigation and state law now requires an “independent investigation” completely independent of the involved agency.

These are the preliminary requirements that must be in place prior to any release of information to the public. Citizen representatives, family and tribal liaisons are contacted and provided an opportunity to review all press releases before they are disseminated.

It takes time, requires thoroughness and patience for these investigations to be done properly. Ultimately, all evidence and information collected will be submitted to the Snohomish County Prosecutor who will determine the legality of actions for all involved.

The Skagit-Island Multiple Agency Response Team remains committed to a process that promotes public trust through independence, transparency, communication and credible investigative methods.

Previous press releases can be found at http://www.skagitcounty.net/SMART/HTML/cases.htm .

Lieutenant Mike Moore

Here is the complete press release as well as the two releases sent out prior by the SMART Team.

UPDATE MARCH 17 2023-SMART Press Release – 23-ST0001 Snohomish County Region 1 SWAT