Family of missing Spanaway man demands justice

TACOMA, Wash. — The family of a missing Spanaway man said they know he's dead and are demanding that investigators do more to find his killer.

Chris Virdell, 18, vanished 17 months ago while he was living with his family in Spanaway and was working as a cashier at a Safeway store.

Virdell’s mother and brother held and wore signs as the marched at the Pierce County City/County building Sunday because they blame Pierce County Sheriff's deputies for waiting to search for Virdell because they believed he was an adult who had ran away.

Virdell’s older brother, Paul Virdell Jr., said his brother would not just walk away from his life and family.

“I do believe he lost his life, because we didn’t go a single day without talking, and if he was going to run away he would have talked to me about it first, because that’s what I was there for,” said Paul Virdell.

Chris Virdell’s mother and brother believe police have not done enough in the case.

A Sheriff’s Office spokesman said they have tracked dozens of leads, but so far, nothing has led them to Virdell's body or the person responsible for his disappearance, though they do believe he was murdered.

Chris Virdell’s mother, Melanie Virdell, said she won't rest well until they get answers.

“Chris deserves justice, and that’s what this is about. He’s not here to ask and demand justice for himself, so we’re here to get justice for our son,” said Melanie Virdell.

The Virdells said they are planning to hold a fundraiser so they can continue searching for Chris Virdell on their own.

KIRO