Kent police arrest suspect following fatal carjacking

Kent police have a suspect in custody related to a Monday carjacking, that led to the death of 38-year-old Jered Sperling.

Law enforcement identified the suspect as a 23-year-old Kent resident. He has yet to be formally charged.

Police also managed to identify a second person of interest who is “cooperating with this investigation,” but is not a suspect in the case.

“We want to thank every person who called in tips,” said Kent Police Detective Melanie Robinson. “This is a very tragic case that has rocked everyone to the core. Our deepest condolences remain with the family and friends of Jered Sperling.”

A manhunt was underway starting Tuesday, as police initially searched for two persons of interest in Sperling’s death, who was carjacked Monday night.

Investigators identified the persons of interest Tuesday afternoon.

Kent police said Sperling’s body was found in the back of the truck, two and a half miles from where it was carjacked.

Police believe the two men caught on security cameras were involved in the Monday carjacking. They said the truck was parked and running near the gate of the storage center Sperling managed with his wife at the time of the incident. As the truck was being driven away by the thief, Sterling jumped in the back intending to stop it, according to police.

Marquis Sims, who knew Sperling, said it’s not a surprise Sperling would try to save his truck as it was being stolen.

“I just think he’s the kind of guy that doesn’t want any – I mean he works hard for his stuff and anybody who works hard for their stuff don’t want nobody to take it,” Sims said.

The truck was found Tuesday morning at an apartment complex nearby, parked near the mailboxes and adjacent to a “No parking” sign. A resident at Cascades Homes Apartment told KIRO 7 they found a body in the abandoned truck. Police did not say how the victim died.

Kent police told KIRO 7 they have video of the carjacking but have decided not to release it yet.