Letter to the Editor: On Death of Aron Christensen: Do Your Job and Lock Them Up

Posted

As many of us were sitting in our warm houses preparing checklists for grocery shopping and cooking to celebrate Thanksgiving, there is a stark reminder for the family and friends of Aron Christensen as there is will be an empty seat at the table and a big hole in a lot of peoples’ hearts.

It has now been over three months since hikers discovered Aron shot on the 101 Trail near Walupt Lake in Lewis County on Aug. 20. Aron was camping and hiking, an activity he and many others in the Pacific Northwest love, with his new puppy Buzzo. 

It has been three months since Ethan Asbach and his girlfriend went to authorities on Aug. 21 and admitted to shooting an unknown target near a popular hiking trail on the night of Aug. 19 and then finding Aron deceased. 

It is just shy of a month ago when the coroner released the report that Aron’s death was from a gunshot wound to the chest.

To the outside observer it seems simple — a man shot a gun and it resulted in a man who died from being shot in the chest. The man who shot the gun should be detained, pending charges started, and a judge to determine bond and conditions of release pending the criminal trial. 

In 2008, a 14-year-old hunter shot and killed a hiker on the Sauk Mountain Trail in Washington state. It took 10 days for him to be charged. It has been over three months without justice for Aron and Buzzo. 

Why have there been such delays? 

It’s hard not to think of the possibility of a botched crime scene, bungled investigation, corruption or preferential treatment when so many in your own community are calling it out as not the first, second or third time this has happened.

Aron’s friends came to Chehalis on Nov. 5 and stood in front of the Lewis County Law and Justice Center demanding justice and transparency. We appreciated those of the community who pulled over to talk to us about why we were there, or showed their support by honking and waving. 



Many from your community reached out to us because they want to help and now, we are reaching back out to you. We would appreciate you joining us in our fight for justice for Aron and Buzzo on Sunday, Nov. 27, in front of the Lewis County Courthouse from noon to 3 p.m.

As many have attested to already, Aron was a talented musician and the music he has created will live on forever. Come down and grab a copy of Life is Pain by The Fallmen, one of Aron’s many bands.

We aren’t going away.

We aren’t letting up.

Do your job.

Lock them up!

 

Sarah Matson 

Portland