Sequim man arrested in deaths of two sex offenders

Two men are dead, and authorities in Clallam County believe the suspect may have had a vendetta against sex offenders and planned to kill again.

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office arrested Patrick Drum, 34, of Sequim on Sunday after two registered sex offenders were shot and killed.

One victim, 56-year-old Jerry Wayne Ray, was found dead Sunday morning around 8:30 a.m. Ray had a conviction for first-degree rape of a child.

Authorities later discovered an abandoned car on a nearby roadway that had been rented by Drum. A note inside, which was signed by Drum, stated that he was sorry for the disturbances he had caused, according to court documents. Benedict said Drum wrote that he hated sex offenders and “it had to be done.”

Drum was located after a three hour search of the dense, forested area near where the car was found. Evidence uncovered during the search led police to another victim, Gary Lee Blanton, Jr., who authorities believe was killed Saturday night.

Blanton, 28, was Drum’s roommate and a registered sex offender. He was convicted of third degree rape in 2001.

Sheriff Bill Benedict said Drum has been cooperating with authorities. During an interview with detectives subsequent to arrest, Drum stated that he killed the men because they were sex offenders and said he was headed to Jefferson County, where he planned to kill another sex offender.

Drum has a lengthy criminal record, including drug convictions, theft and assault, but has never been convicted of a sex crime.

Prosecutors have asked that Drum be placed on a 72-hour hold pending charges. He will make his next court appearance on Wednesday, when Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney Deborah Kelly expects to charge him with two counts aggravated first-degree murder.

Drum could also face charges for burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm.