Charges dropped against JBLM soldier arrested for death threats

BY Brandi Kruse  on June 8, 2012 @ 2:36 pm (Updated: 5:46 pm - 6/8/12 )

Charges have been dropped against a Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier who was accused of felony harassment after his girlfriend claimed he planned to kill people and blow up the state capital.

Prosecutors dropped the charges Friday and called the girlfriend, Serena Kiptoo, an unreliable witness.

Kiptoo had told police that Lt. Col. Robert Underwood had paid a hit man $150,000 to kill his estranged wife and a fellow officer. She said he had also threatened to kill her after she found a naked photo of his teenaged daughter on his computer.

Underwood had allegedly told his daughter that he planned to do something "big," and they would "see it on television."

His estranged wife told detectives he would follow through with the threats, according to court documents.

But Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist said Friday the statements cannot be proven.

"We only proceed forward on a case when we believe it is just to do so, and we can prove the case," Lindquist said. "A search of the defendant's computer did not substantiate the girlfriend's allegations. Number two, investigation revealed that the victim left voice messages with the defendant that suggest she had a motive to fabricate the allegations."

Lindquist said his office will not bring charges against the girlfriend.

"This is not a circumstance where we can show that she lied or perjured herself," he said. "But rather it's a circumstance where the allegations just simply cannot be proven and are suspect."

Prior to his arrest, Underwood was a member of the 191st Training Support Brigade at JBLM. He was transferred out of the unit following the allegations, which included threats against his boss.

A base spokesperson said it is unlikely Underwood will be allowed to return to his previous post.

Brandi Kruse, KIRO Radio Reporter
Brandi Kruse is a reporter for KIRO Radio who is as spontaneous and adventurous in her free time as she is on the job. Brandi arrived at KIRO Radio in March 2011 and has already collected three regional Edward R. Murrow awards for her reporting.
More Local News
Top Stories
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 (9)


  • Add A Comment

  • olympia78 wrote...
    Hes a walking monster!!!!!!!!!!!
    June 8, 2012 10:22 pm
    Hes out because his girlfriend is carrying his baby busted!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .The lady saved his evidence for the sake of her baby. So hes as guilt as monster.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • MTWOMAN wrote...
    Ha!
    June 15, 2012 3:12 pm
    The only monster is you, Serena Kiptoo. You have claimed to believe in God. What about hell? You should be afraid after all you have done. And you are no lady.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • AKAF wrote...
    Just wondering who will bring back this man's
    June 8, 2012 11:27 pm
    Who's gonna bring back this man's reputation? The press is terrible.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • olympia78 wrote...
    AKAF
    June 9, 2012 1:00 am
    No one cares for him cos hes a master manipulator with his lawyer.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • MTWOMAN wrote...
    What the?
    July 18, 2012 10:41 am
    The DA thought he had a case without doing any kind of real investigation, didn't ask Underwood a single question, and now says he will not file any charges against Kiptoo. If he actually looked into the case, did an actual investigation, he would find a conspiracy against Underwood by Kiptoo and Underwood's estranged wife, to bring Underwood down and punish him and get the estranged wife a better settlement in their divorce. Too bad DA Lindquist can't or won't do his job. Rumor has it he's far to interested in his political career, which his actions all but prove it. As far as Kiptoo, just read all her crazy rants in the comments sections of this and related news stories. Enough said.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }