WARRANT PRESS RELEASE IS LOCATED BELOW

Press Release Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Forks Police Department

Clallam County Sheriff

Information which has been obtained through the joint investigation of the homicide that occurred on January 8th in Forks is that the suspect, Moises Ramirez-Matias may be attempting to solicit means to flee the area.

Forks area residents are encouraged to target harden your homes by insuring that all doors and windows are secured and locked and that all vehicles are locked and keys are in a safe and secure location.

If you witness any unusual activity or have a possible sighting of the suspect do not attempt to make contact but call 911.

Joint law enforcement agencies are working as one for a safe resolution to this situation as soon as possible.

Mayor Bryon Monohon

Sgt Ed Klahn – Forks Police Department

Sgt Brian King – Clallam County Sheriff’s Department

Clallam County Prosecutors Office – Tuesday, Jan. 10 2012

MURDER CHARGES, ARREST WARRANT FILED IN FORKS STABBING

First degree Murder charges were filed Tuesday by the Clallam County Prosecutor in the January 8 domestic violence stabbing death of Laranda Konopaski of Forks.  A nationwide arrest warrant was also issued for Moises Ramirez Matias, with bail set at two million dollars.

According to court documents, dispatch received a 911 call from a four year girl, stating that her father, later identified as Matias, had stabbed her mother, and the mother was dead.  Responding officers from Forks and the Clallam County Sheriff found the four year unharmed, but a large pool of blood and Konopaski lying in the hall. Forks Officer Hoagland saw that Konopaski had some signs of life, however she died shortly afterward at the Forks Community Hospital.

Hoagland reported seeing blood stains from one end of the residence to the other, and a large blood stained knife on the bed.

The girl told officers that she had seen her parents arguing, and Matias take a knife from the kitchen, then saw her mother lying on the floor bleeding from a neck wound.

Charges filed in court include a possible aggravated sentence for use of a deadly weapon, and also because the murder was a domestic violence offence occurring within sight or sound of the victim’s minor child.

Matias is still at large and is the subject of a manhunt by local officers.  Anyone harboring or aiding Matias in evading arrest could be prosecuted for felony Rendering Criminal Assistance, said Senior Criminal Deputy Prosecutor Ann Lundwall.  Anyone with any knowledge of Matias’ whereabouts should immediately call 911, Lundwall added.