Jail granted TV in cell of accused cop killer following suicide attempt

BY Tim Haeck  on February 11, 2013 @ 2:54 pm (Updated: 4:12 pm - 2/11/13 )

monfort_court_jan272012.jpg
King County Jail administrators did not originally mention accused cop killer Christopher Monfort attempted suicide around the time he was given a TV. (KIRO Radio/file) | Zoom
King County Jail administrators left out one curious fact when acknowledging that accused killer Chris Monfort was given a TV for his isolation cell.

The jail confirmed last fall that Monfort was given the small TV in October. The explanation, reported in the Seattle Times was that staff was trying to provide some type of interaction for the paralyzed, isolated inmate.

But the jail did not mention that Monfort attempted suicide around the same time.

The Seattle Weekly has published internal county documents that reveal that Monfort tried to kill himself, apparently using a razor blade shortly before he got the TV. Other details of the suicide attempt are deleted from the document. Monfort was transported to Harborview Medical Center.

Monfort is awaiting trial and could face the death penalty for the Halloween 2009 murder of Seattle police officer Tim Brenton in an ambush while Brenton and another officer were parked on a street. Monfort was paralyzed a few days later when he was shot and captured by police.

Tim Haeck, KIRO Radio Reporter
Tim Haeck is a news reporter with KIRO Radio. While Tim is one of our go-to, no-nonsense reporters, he also has a sensationally dry sense of humor and it will surprise some to learn he is a weekend warrior.
More Local News
Top Stories

  • Heartstopping
    Daredevils post breathtaking pictures atop Seattle landmarks

  • Snowy Passes
    Escape cold Seattle; go skiing at Crystal Mountain

  • Dirty Wars
    Director Jeremy Scahill says Obama hasn't been fighting a clean war
MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (5)


  • Add A Comment

  • otherpointofview wrote...
    last sentence is incorrect
    February 11, 2013 3:05 pm
    office Brenton wasn't paralyzed... it was the monster Monfort who was paralyzed... i know it was a simple mistake..but that's a bad one
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • otherpointofview wrote...
    continued
    February 11, 2013 3:09 pm
    the mistake made me forget my original comment.. jail cells shouldn't have TVs in them.. when Ron and Don talk about the Gray bar hotel..it's really true. these are criminals who shouldn't have rights like TV, board games, snacks, candy etc etc etc.. they gave up those rights when they chose to become criminals. no wonder why criminals don't care if they go back in.. no work, free food and entertainment.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • hpygolkyone wrote...
    Huh?...........
    February 11, 2013 3:39 pm
    If he tried to commit suicide without a t.v......wouldn't it be easier to do it with a t.v?

    Chew on the electrical cord....eat something inside of the t.v.....cut himself with something sharp. The diabolical ideas are endless.....

    Why don't they get him a mouse, like in the movie "The Green Mile"? Why don't they get him a roommate named Bubba who could really keep him occupied and out of mischief?

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Snout wrote...
    A razor blade?
    February 11, 2013 4:56 pm
    Am I missing something or is it unreasonable to ask why a prisoner has access to one without close supervision?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    How 'bout
    February 11, 2013 5:20 pm
    We do everyone involved and the tax payers a huge service and just let this piece of human excrement go ahead with his plan. If he wants to kill himself, then so be it....
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }