Kitsap County Sheriff Gary Simpson issued the following statement Feb. 23 regarding the recent homicides in Seabeck.

To the citizens of Kitsap County:

Over the last several weeks, I have been approached by many individuals and groups who have expressed their concerns and fears regarding the horrendous manner of the Careaga family deaths in the Lake Tahuya area, and more recently the murder of Hector Apodaca in Seabeck.

These acts were attacks on all Kitsap County residents — they occurred in our neighborhoods and threaten the safety of our communities. People are very disturbed and worried. Many are asking, “What is happening to our Kitsap County?”!

I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to the victims’ surviving family members and friends. I am fully aware of how impactful and far reaching these attacks can be. They have affected more people than can be imagined and will be remembered forever.

As people consider their personal safety and question what has occurred, I want to reassure you that these acts of homicidal violence are not random. With evidence and information that sheriff’s investigators have gathered, we are confident in solving these crimes. Our detectives and patrol deputies, together with professionals from other law enforcement agencies, are fully engaged and committed to bringing to justice those responsible for these crimes. I am certain of this outcome.

Detectives continue to conduct witness interviews and also process evidence with assistance from the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.

We will not allow crime to demoralize us. The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing the best law enforcement services we can, making Kitsap County a safe place to live, work and visit. These events will not discourage us in doing so. We must continue to be vigilant and not live in fear.

If you know anything about these murders, I encourage you to contact sheriff’s investigators.

Sincerely,

Gary Simpson

Kitsap County Sheriff