Caregiver’s husband held in murder of Normandy Park man
Jan 27, 2014, 4:49 PM | Updated: Jan 28, 2014, 11:22 am
The man suspected of shooting and killing an elderly Normandy Park man before beating the victim’s granddaughter with a crowbar on Saturday told 911 dispatchers that he “broke,” according to court documents.
Charges are still pending against Shane R. Chamberlain, 22, who is being held in the King County Jail for investigation of first-degree murder and first-degree assault.
Phillip Hamlin, 96, was found dead inside his $2.8 million waterfront estate at 18527 Normandy Terrace S.W. just before 3 p.m. on January 25.
His death is believed to be the first homicide in Normandy Park in more than 25 years.
According to court documents, officers were sent to the address after multiple callers to 911 reported a disturbance inside the home. One of the calls came from Chamberlain, who told dispatchers that he had shot Mr. Hamlin in the head with a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver.
Meanwhile, neighbors called 911 after Mr. Hamlin’s granddaughter, Bethany Hamlin, ran out of the house for help. She told neighbors that Chamberlain attacked her with a metal crowbar. She suffered deep lacerations to her skull and her ear was partially severed, according to family members.
“Bethany Hamlin said that the attack was completely unexpected and unprovoked,” court records stated. “(She) was able to fight with Shane R. Chamberlain and throw a chair at him before escaping.”
Chamberlain’s estranged wife worked as Phillip Hamlin’s primary caretaker and had been employed by the family for around four years, according to the victim’s son, Harry Hamlin, who spoke to reporters outside a courtroom at the King County Jail Monday.
While Chamberlain and his wife were having marital problems, he was visiting the home at the time of the murder, Hamlin said.
“I knew the suspect for almost four years and there was never any indication that this was going to happen,” he said. “We don’t understand the motive or anything like that.”
Hamlin described Chamberlain as “quiet” and “reserved.”
The elder Hamlin had lived in Normandy Park for 40 years and was in surprisingly good health for his age, his son said.
“He was a pioneer in several areas of technology. He held several patents,” Harry Hamlin said. “He was quite well-to-do. He did very well by his descendants, especially his grandchildren.”
Bail in the case is expected to be set at a hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
