
There is a protest planned at the Clark County Courthouse starting at 8 a.m. on Oct. 26 and Russell’s hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. that same day
VANCOUVER – In a new political ad released on Tuesday (Oct. 11), local candidate for the 49th Legislative District Jeremy Baker points the blame for convicted child murderer Roy Russell’s early release directly at his opponent, Washington State House Floor Leader Monica Stonier.
“Living just a few blocks away, I remember the police tape, I remember the trial, and I remember we put him away for life,” Baker said in the ad. “Monica Stonier must have forgotten about Chelsea when she passed laws that let criminals like Roy Russell out of jail.”
Russell was convicted for the 2005 murder of Chelsea Harrison, who was 14 years old at the time, and was sentenced automatically to life in prison under the persistent offender law in Washington state. In 2021, that sentence was put in jeopardy when Washington House Democrats, led by Stonier, passed Senate Bill 5164. SB 5164 resentences individuals originally sentenced as a persistent offender due to a robbery in the second degree conviction. That change allows Russell to walk free, possibly as soon as Friday.
“I was shocked when I heard that Monica Stonier and her Democrat counterparts had passed a bill that would let this monster out of jail,’’ Baker said. “I made this ad to remind everyone of what happened 17 years ago and to make sure that the people that allowed Roy Russell to beat another life sentence are held accountable for victimizing Chelsea’s family again.”
On Oct. 26, Russell will have a hearing with the potential outcome of him getting out as early as that afternoon. Russell’s maximum potential sentence of 7.7 years is far shorter than the original life sentence and believed by many to be an outrage for Chelsea’s family. Baker shares the victim’s family disbelief that a group of politicians would so callously victimize their family again.
Baker remembers the day Russel was sent away for life, “Justice was done on that day, but because of this law it will be undone Friday.”
Baker believes that there is only one way to respond to this, “Everyone who voted in favor for this law should be fired this November,” Baker continued. “We can’t mince words anymore, voting for Monica Stonier is a vote to let murderers and rapists like Roy Russell out of jail.”
There is a protest planned for at the Clark County Courthouse starting at 8 a.m. on Oct. 26 and Roy Russell’s hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. that same day. The family of Chelsea Harrison and their lawyer are planning to be in attendance. The family is also planning to be in the courtroom when the new judgment is handed down.
Also read:
- Opinion: Political motivated violence from the left is replacing discourse at a troubling rateBill Bruch warns that targeted violence against elected officials is replacing political discourse, as attacks on Democrats who break party lines raise serious national concerns.
- Opinion: Tell city officials to keep Vancouver ‘normal’Amy Harris urges Vancouver residents to speak out against expanding homeless encampments and support stronger public camping regulations to keep the city safe and livable.
- Opioid Abatement Council awards $2.75 million to Vancouver Bridge Shelter ProjectThe Clark County Opioid Abatement Council has awarded over $5.3 million in settlement grants, including $2.75 million to support the city of Vancouver’s Bridge Shelter Project near the Vancouver Mall.
- Opinion: The Feds vs. Washington stateNancy Churchill outlines how recent federal actions under Trump-era leadership are challenging Washington state’s progressive policies on energy, elections, education, and transportation.
- Community invited to provide input on Orchards Community Park improvements via online surveyClark County Public Works is asking for community feedback on planned improvements at Orchards Community Park through an online survey available in multiple languages.
- Camas City Councilor Leslie Lewallen visits U.S. Department of Transportation to oppose light rail in I-5 Bridge projectCamas City Councilor Leslie Lewallen visited federal transportation officials in Washington, D.C., to advocate against the proposed light rail component of the I-5 Bridge project.
- C-TRAN board approves service changes to start in fall; hears proposed fare increases for 2026The C-TRAN board has approved fall service changes, introduced safety barrier plans, and began discussions on fare increases proposed for 2026.
How’s your 401k? Enjoy paying $5+ for gas? How’s your grocery bill doing these days? You’d enjoy a ‘lifer’ like Russell living next door to you? You like the Wash. State Public School System?
All due to the democrat bullschict on the local and national level !!!
And you want to re-elect Stonier, a democrat ?!?!?
Can you say “no thanks, you’ve had your chance”?
Say Yes to Jeremy and NO WAY to Monica!
When Mr. Baker asked Mrs. Stonier if she’d apologize to the family of Chelsea Harrison, not only did she ignore and fail to answer but later she took to Instagram and complained that he broke the rules by asking for accountability for her terrible vote to let a rapist and killer free. How about we ask the family what’s fair? I think Mrs. Stonier needs a reality check and be more responsible for her reckless actions and votes.
Stonier has already shown she does not care about the people she “represents.” NOTHING changes if you keep giving your votes to the same politicians who give you the same lip service. We need new people. The old people is why we are in this mess. Vote Jeremy Baker!
SPOT ON TRUTH!! VOTE FOR JEREMY BAKER – FIRE MONICA!
Anyone who is marking negative on the posted comments, care to share why you feel what Stonier is doing is OK? Would sincerely like to hear your stance.
I grew up with chelsea and her family. Her oldest brother Josh is one of my longest and dearest friends. We all grew up in Huntington Beach Ca, since then we have gone different ways and I am in St. Helens Oregon. I can’t begin to tell you all how much pain this is causing Chelsea’s family. Stand up to this bill, get out there and vote Baker. Show up to these protest, get it out there and let the world know what these “state representatives” have done and let’s get this man back behind bars before he rapes and kills someone else’s daughter!