Local

No suspects nine years after Eatonville man's murder

EATONVILLE, Wash. — A rifle stands in the cemetery in Eatonville bearing the American Legion cap of Royce Park. In May 2007, the 81-year-old World War II veteran was found dead outside his home.  His throat had been slashed.

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"This is a small community, a small, safe community," said Legion Post 148 commander Ryan Miller. "When something as horrendous as that happens, people get nervous."

Park was known for his bees and the honey he sold in stores and restaurants in Eatonville. A quiet man with no family, he kept to himself, and was well-liked.

Even nine years later there are no suspects and no known motive for his murder.

“It could have been an interrupted burglary, it could have been somebody that was mad at him,” said Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman Detective Ed Troyer. “But we don’t have any business dealings to look at that would indicate somebody would want him dead.”

Each Memorial Day since Park's murder, fellow veterans have remembered him during their small ceremony. They want to keep his memory alive and make sure whoever killed him is brought to justice.

“The man died without any family, so we are his family,” said Miller.

Tacoma Pierce County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information that could help lead to Park's killer.  Tips can be left at 253-591-5959.