On February 25, 2022 - James N. Parker, of Brinnon, pled guilty to Assault in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, and Harassment – Threats to Kill, after his arrest and prosecution for attacking his former girlfriend with a machete. All charges were designated as acts of Domestic Violence.
According to court records, on January 17, 2021 at approximately 9:30 PM, Jefferson County Deputies responded to a report that the ex-girlfriend of Mr. Parker “just opened her door to her residence and she was attacked by James Parker with a machete.” The investigation showed “the victim sustained significant cutting injuries to her right arm, left arm, upper back, head, shoulders, and neck.” The records indicate that Mr. Parker entered the victim’s home and pursued her with a machete, repeatedly striking her and threatening to kill her. The victim was able to escape her home and drive away in her vehicle before she was contacted by a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy on Highway 101. Due to the significant nature of the injuries the victim was airlifted to Harborview for emergency medical treatment.
Deputies received information that Mr. Parker fled south down Highway 101 into Mason County. Eventually his vehicle was located blocking traffic on Highway 101. A Mason County K-9 was called to the scene and Parker was found hiding in the woods approximately 100 yards from his vehicle.
According to Mr. Parker’s criminal history, which includes a prior conviction for a sex offense, he faced a sentencing range of 162 – 216 months. At sentencing, Prosecuting Attorney James Kennedy recommended 195 months, which was agreed to by Mr. Parker. Additionally, Mr. Parker will be on Department of Corrections supervision for 36 months following his release and will be required to undergo chemical dependency and mental health treatment. At the Prosecution’s request the court entered protection orders for the victim and her children.
During her impact statement the victim told the court that the attack “changed [her] life substantially.” She explained she could not hold her baby for long periods of time, she has scars that cause pain throughout the day, is unable to swim or teach her children to swim, which was something she loved to do during the summer. Day to day tasks such and dressing herself continue to be a struggle.
Jefferson County Superior Court Judge, The Honorable Keith Harper, sentenced Mr. Parker to 195 months after stating the victim was “very fortunate to be where you are now . . . and I hope your children will be able to overcome their fear from this event”.
Mr. Kennedy thanked law enforcement and for their work on the case. “The events of that night were horrific. If not for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office fast response the victim would likely have perished and without the assistance of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit the Defendant may have evaded capture. Additionally, the follow up investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Unit was exemplary and made this result possible”.
For more information contact:
James Kennedy
Prosecuting Attorney
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
(360) 385-9180
jkennedy@co.jefferson.wa.us
