
There is a protest planned at the Clark County Courthouse starting at 8 a.m. on Oct. 26 and Russell’s hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. that same day
VANCOUVER – In a new political ad released on Tuesday (Oct. 11), local candidate for the 49th Legislative District Jeremy Baker points the blame for convicted child murderer Roy Russell’s early release directly at his opponent, Washington State House Floor Leader Monica Stonier.
“Living just a few blocks away, I remember the police tape, I remember the trial, and I remember we put him away for life,” Baker said in the ad. “Monica Stonier must have forgotten about Chelsea when she passed laws that let criminals like Roy Russell out of jail.”
Russell was convicted for the 2005 murder of Chelsea Harrison, who was 14 years old at the time, and was sentenced automatically to life in prison under the persistent offender law in Washington state. In 2021, that sentence was put in jeopardy when Washington House Democrats, led by Stonier, passed Senate Bill 5164. SB 5164 resentences individuals originally sentenced as a persistent offender due to a robbery in the second degree conviction. That change allows Russell to walk free, possibly as soon as Friday.
“I was shocked when I heard that Monica Stonier and her Democrat counterparts had passed a bill that would let this monster out of jail,’’ Baker said. “I made this ad to remind everyone of what happened 17 years ago and to make sure that the people that allowed Roy Russell to beat another life sentence are held accountable for victimizing Chelsea’s family again.”
On Oct. 26, Russell will have a hearing with the potential outcome of him getting out as early as that afternoon. Russell’s maximum potential sentence of 7.7 years is far shorter than the original life sentence and believed by many to be an outrage for Chelsea’s family. Baker shares the victim’s family disbelief that a group of politicians would so callously victimize their family again.
Baker remembers the day Russel was sent away for life, “Justice was done on that day, but because of this law it will be undone Friday.”
Baker believes that there is only one way to respond to this, “Everyone who voted in favor for this law should be fired this November,” Baker continued. “We can’t mince words anymore, voting for Monica Stonier is a vote to let murderers and rapists like Roy Russell out of jail.”
There is a protest planned for at the Clark County Courthouse starting at 8 a.m. on Oct. 26 and Roy Russell’s hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. that same day. The family of Chelsea Harrison and their lawyer are planning to be in attendance. The family is also planning to be in the courtroom when the new judgment is handed down.
Also read:
- WA Senate unanimously passes $7.3B capital budget ‘for the entire state’The Washington Senate passed a $7.3 billion capital budget for 2025-27 in a unanimous vote, funding education, housing, and infrastructure across the state.
- Council Chair Sue Marshall to deliver virtual State of the County addressClark County Council Chair Sue Marshall will deliver the 2025 State of the County address on April 9 in a video highlighting key updates on the budget, planning, law and justice, and more.
- Letter: RFA Is the smart, necessary choice for Camas and WashougalCamas resident Deanna Rusch encourages area residents to vote YES on Prop. 1 Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com As a proud member of the Camas-Washougal community, I’m writing to urge voters to support the proposed …
- Michelle’s Love, Rick’s Fencing and Decking, team up to help Vancouver mom who is battling cancerMichelle’s Love and Rick’s Custom Fencing and Decking helped Vancouver mom Kayla Susick, who is battling breast cancer, by rebuilding her fence and providing critical support during her recovery.
- Vancouver mayor pro tem acknowledges the mayor ‘set the trap’ for Michelle BelkotAudio reveals Vancouver mayor pro tem described mayor’s plan to provoke Belkot at C-TRAN meeting, sparking removal and lawsuits.
- Opinion: An unacceptable tax burdenNancy Churchill outlines new tax proposals in Washington state, warning of growing burdens on working families amid budget shortfalls and government overspending.
- Expect delays on eastbound SR 14 West Camas Slough Bridge for annual inspection, SaturdayAnnual inspection will close the eastbound lane of SR 14 in Camas.
How’s your 401k? Enjoy paying $5+ for gas? How’s your grocery bill doing these days? You’d enjoy a ‘lifer’ like Russell living next door to you? You like the Wash. State Public School System?
All due to the democrat bullschict on the local and national level !!!
And you want to re-elect Stonier, a democrat ?!?!?
Can you say “no thanks, you’ve had your chance”?
Say Yes to Jeremy and NO WAY to Monica!
When Mr. Baker asked Mrs. Stonier if she’d apologize to the family of Chelsea Harrison, not only did she ignore and fail to answer but later she took to Instagram and complained that he broke the rules by asking for accountability for her terrible vote to let a rapist and killer free. How about we ask the family what’s fair? I think Mrs. Stonier needs a reality check and be more responsible for her reckless actions and votes.
Stonier has already shown she does not care about the people she “represents.” NOTHING changes if you keep giving your votes to the same politicians who give you the same lip service. We need new people. The old people is why we are in this mess. Vote Jeremy Baker!
SPOT ON TRUTH!! VOTE FOR JEREMY BAKER – FIRE MONICA!
Anyone who is marking negative on the posted comments, care to share why you feel what Stonier is doing is OK? Would sincerely like to hear your stance.
I grew up with chelsea and her family. Her oldest brother Josh is one of my longest and dearest friends. We all grew up in Huntington Beach Ca, since then we have gone different ways and I am in St. Helens Oregon. I can’t begin to tell you all how much pain this is causing Chelsea’s family. Stand up to this bill, get out there and vote Baker. Show up to these protest, get it out there and let the world know what these “state representatives” have done and let’s get this man back behind bars before he rapes and kills someone else’s daughter!