Bellevue murder suspect still on the run after July killing, may have fled the state

A man charged with murder and robbery for beating another man to death at a makeshift campsite in July is still on the loose, and may have even left the state.

The Bellevue Police Department identified the man as Samuel Hitchcock, 28, back in early August. The department is now asking the public for help locating him.

“The defendant has not yet been captured for this offense and is believed to have fled the State of Washington and is concealing his identity to effectuate this flight,” King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Aubony Burns wrote in charging documents obtained by KOMO News. “[Hitchcock] beat the victim to death for the money in his pockets and told him he was an idiot for having the money on him as he beat him to death.”

Hitchcock and the victim, Jason Clark, 54, were removed from the Porchlight homeless shelter and were sleeping nearby. According to court documents, Hitchcock spilled alcohol on Clark while he was lying down, which caused a fight. The argument soon became violent.

An autopsy report found Clark died from lethal blunt force injuries to the head and neck. Hitchcock subsequently stole roughly $3,000 from Clark.

Hitchcock had previously been arrested multiple times in Seattle for assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and harassment.

Hitchcock has connections to Oregon, according to court documents. Anyone who has information about his location is asked to contact the Bellevue Police Department.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

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