EDGEWOOD, Wash. - A $1,000 reward is now being offered in the murder of an Edgewood man who was shot while protecting his family during a home invasion robbery Wednesday.
Pierce County detectives say the robbery that ended in the death of Jim Sanders has genterated a lot of tips from the public, but none of the tips have helped them find the killers. Detectives say a tip from the public will be the only way to catch those responsible.
Sanders, 43, was selling a diamond ring on Craigslist. A woman contacted the family, saying she wanted to buy it for a Mother's Day gift. The woman came to the home with three armed men wearing bandannas. The house was ransacked. The family was tied up and beaten up. Sanders was killed after he tried to defend his family, said police.
Investigators believe the same group of robbers hit a home in Lake Stevens last weekend. In that case, the homeowner was tied up and robbed after posting an ad on Craigslist for a big screen TV.
Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and charges filed in the case. All callers can remain anonymous. Call (253) 591-5959.
Relatives hope someone will turn the robbers in soon.
"They're not worth Jim's life," said Tim Jorgensen, Sanders' brother-in-law, "Give them up."
"Hearing about this … it's terrible. It's wrong," said Stan Bouchard, who worked with Sanders at Pilchuck Contractors."Nobody could not like Jimmy. It's Jim Sanders. You mention Jimmy and everyone smiles 'cause they know that's what Jimmy's doing. He's smiling."
For Sanders' extended family, justice will help them deal with the loss.
"It's the strongest family you'll ever meet, and for somebody like him to be taken away from us, in that way, it's not right," said co-worker John Ringer.
A fundraiser will be held at the salon where Sanders' wife works this Sunday, May 2. It will be at the Salon 10 & Day Spa at 1420 Meridian E. Suite #10, in Milton from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A fund has been set up to help the Sanders family. Anyone interested can donate to the "Jim Sanders Memorial Fund" at any Bank of America branch.
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