Jane Carol Britt, 75 [REMAINS DISCOVERED] MSG Since 03/18/08 From Federal Way, WA

[Grande]

Woman found dead in car trunk identified
11:13 AM PDT on Thursday, March 20, 2008
KING5.com Staff Reports

http://i30.tinypic.com/iegexk.jpg
Federal Way Police

Police issued this picture of Jane Carol Britt in an effort to generate tips in the homicide investigation.

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - Federal Way Police have identified the woman whose body was found inside the trunk of her own car Wednesday afternoon.

Police say Jane Carol Britt, 75, was reported missing Tuesday night by her adult son when she did not return from visiting her husband at the Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Center of Excellence on South 338th Street.

Officers located the missing woman's vehicle in the parking lot. After searching the car, they found the deceased woman's body in the trunk.

This death is being investigated as a homicide and the King County Medical Examiner is determining the cause of death.

Police have also issued a photograph of the victim in an effort to generate investigative leads in the case.

Federal Way Police is asking anyone who may have seen the victim or any suspicious activity in the area of the care facility, located in the 400 block of 338th St., within the last 48 hours to please contact Detective Doug Deyo at (253) 835-6891 or call 911.

http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_032008WAB_trunk_body_federal_way_LJ.c08e054.htm l

[Roamer]

:1222423:

[Grande]

Woman found dead outside residential care facility
Monday, March 24, 2008

Federal Way Police discovered the body of an elderly woman they believe was the victim of a homicide.

On March 19 at 3:30 p.m., Federal Way Police Officers responded to the 400 block of S 338th Street to a report of a missing elderly female.

The adult son of victim Jane Carol Britt, a 75-year-old female, reported that the family had not seen or heard from their mother since approximately 7 p.m. on March 18, when she came to the residential care facility to visit her husband.

Officers located the missing female's vehicle, a gold 2002 Mercedes four-door, in the parking lot. A search of the vehicle revealed a deceased female body located in the vehicle.

A family member positively identified her as Jane Carol Britt.

This death is being investigated as a homicide.

Federal Way Criminal Investigations Section responded to the location and has interviewed staff of the facility and family members in an effort to develop investigative leads.

The King County Medical Examiner responded and took custody of the deceased.

The Federal Way Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding this death. Investigative efforts are on-going.

Determination of cause of death will be made by the King County Medical Examiner's Office, and were not released to the media at press time.

Federal Way Police Detectives have provided the identification and photograph of the victim in an effort to generate investigative leads.

The Federal Way Criminal Investigations Section is continuing their investigation by executing search warrants at the victim's residence in Federal Way and of the victim vehicle.

They are asking anyone whom may have seen the victim or any suspicious activity in the area of the care facility to contact Federal Way Police Detective Deyo at 253-835-6891 or call 911.

http://www.federalwaynews.net/articles/2008/03/24/news/local_news/story02.txt

[Grande]

Slain woman’s family in shock
SCOTT FONTAINE; scott.fontaine@thenewstribune.com
Published: March 23rd, 2008 01:00 AM

The family of Jane Britt of Federal Way expressed “denial, anger and sorrow” at her killing last week, in a statement released through her church, and her pastor remembered her Saturday as an “elegant, gentle, caring woman.”

“She was an exceptional person,” said the Rev. Vic Hippe of Community of Christ-St. Luke’s. “She’s going to be missed by all.”

She had gone Tuesday night to visit her husband, Frank, at Garden Terrace, a Federal Way nursing home, and police later found her dead inside her car in the parking lot. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office said Britt died of asphyxia due to strangulation and suffered from force injuries to the head and neck.

Federal Way police had no new information on the homicide investigation Saturday night.

Britt’s family is struggling to accept what happened.

“This brutal act at the very steps of the facility devoted to the care of helpless senior adults is unbelievable,” said Hippe, reading a prepared statement from the family. “We still find it hard to accept that she is gone, taken from us by one senseless act of violence. We are all dealing with denial, anger and sorrow. Yet she is gone, and we must bear it.”

Frank Britt has been in the nursing home for more than a year, Hippe said, and Jane Britt visited him almost every day. They were married 56 years.

“She was his link to life, his hope and his love,” the statement read. “He is devastated, confused, depressed by her absence. Jane’s passion for her family is fiercely matched by her family’s love for her.”

The family will hold a memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Luke’s. In the statement, the family thanked the community for the outpouring of support.

They also were left asking questions.

“How do you explain a mother’s and a grandmother’s love that knew no limits?” the statement read. “How can we explain the emptiness we feel at the loss of mom and grandma?

“How will we explain to her great-grandchild the love that has been snatched away? The family aches, and our grief is deep.”

Britt was involved in the congregation at St. Luke’s, and the family is relying on that faith.

“Jane’s family shares in her deep faith,” the statement read. “Jesus Christ is our lord and savior. Though she faced fear and suffering in her last moments, Jane has the final victory: She sees the face of Jesus. We firmly stand in this hope. The grief we feel now is not for her.

“Jane has the better part. She has eternal happiness. We will see her again.”

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/316107.html

[Grande]

M.E.: Woman Found Dead In Car's Trunk Was Strangled
UPDATED: 10:20 am PDT March 22, 2008

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- A 75-year-old woman found dead in the trunk of her car was strangled, the medical examiner's office said on Friday.

The body of Jane Carol Britt was found Wednesday in her car in the parking lot of a nursing home where she had been visiting her husband.

In other developments Friday, a man seen in surveillance video taken near the care center where Britt was found was ruled out as a suspect in the case, police told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

The video, released Thursday, showed a man who appeared to be limping and who police wanted to speak with about the slaying.

The man came forward, and police determined he was visiting the facility and is not related to the crime, police told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Graham Johnson.

Also on Friday, detectives are processing the vehicle and other items recovered at the scene, police said.

Relatives reported Britt missing when she failed to return from visiting her husband, who lives at the Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Center of Excellence in Federal Way. Police found her body, with what they said were "obvious signs of trauma," in the trunk of her gold 2002 Mercedes 320 4D.

Police said the motive is unclear, and investigators want to hear from anyone who may have seen any recent dubious activity around the Alzheimer's care center.

http://www.kirotv.com/news/15669097/detail.html

[Grande]

Family of strangled woman pleads for help
Story Updated: Mar 22, 2008 at 5:32 PM PDT
By KOMO Staff

The family of a woman who was found dead Wednesday in Federal Way is pleading with the public to help find the killer who beat and strangled her to death, then stuffed her body in the trunk of her car.

"No words can explain the sorrow, and unceasing agony at the death of our beloved wife, mother, grand mother, great-grandmother and friend," the family said in a written statement about the death of Jane Carol Britt, 75.

In their grief, the family has asked their minister, the Rev. Dr. Vic Hippe of the Community of Christ, St. Luke's, in Federal Way to speak on their behalf.

"Their plea is for people, if anyone knows anything that happened around Garden Terrace on the evening of the 18th, that they would share that, that would be very helpful," Rev. Hippe said.

Britt was found Wednesday in the trunk of her 2002 Gold Mercedes in the parking lot of the Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Center of Excellence. Her family says she had gone there every day to visit her husband of 56 years, who suffers from Parkinson's disease.

Her husband is having a difficult time since her death, Rev. Hippe said. "He is devastated, confused and depressed by her absence."

Rev. Hippe also said the family wants to thank the many people who have offered their sympathy.

"People have reached out the them with their prayers, support and help and all kinds of ways ... shoulders to cry on, and that's been really helpful," he said.

A memorial service for Britt will take place Wednesday at the Community of Christ, St. Luke's in Federal Way.

Detectives still don't know what prompted the killing and say they're desperate for leads.

Police have cleared a man previously sought as a person of interest in the case. Surveillance video showed the man limping away from the scene where Britt was found, but the man came forward and spoke with investigators, who determined he was not involved.

"You know, we're just really trying to put that together," police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock said. "That's one of the reasons we've come to you to get anyone who might have been in the area in the last 48 hours to see if they recognize her or her vehicle and to give us a call."

Police have ruled out domestic issues, as Britt's husband is so disabled that he doesn't leave his room. Officer's also searched Britt's house, but came out empty-handed.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Doug Deyo at (253) 835-6891 or call 911.

http://www.komotv.com/news/local/16928406.html

[Grande]

Area woman’s slaying ‘unthinkable’
STEVE MAYNARD; steve.maynard@thenewstribune.com
Updated: March 22nd, 2008 06:10 AM
thenewstribune.com

Jane Carol Britt lived in the same house for 40 years in a tree-lined Federal Way neighborhood filled with Boeing employees.

The 75-year-old woman liked working in her yard overlooking the eighth fairway of Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club. She loved jigsaw puzzles and taking care of her great-granddaughter every Thursday. And she always had a smile on her face.

The life of a woman neighbors called the “nicest person in the world” ended Tuesday when she was strangled. Her body was found inside her car.

Jack Keough, who lived next door to Britt for 27 years, called her slaying “unthinkable.”

“She couldn’t have an unpleasant thought about anyone,” said Keough, 81.

Britt died Tuesday of asphyxia due to strangulation, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office reported Friday. She also suffered blunt force injuries to the head and neck. She had gone to visit her husband, Frank, at Garden Terrace, a Federal Way nursing home, Tuesday night. Police later found her dead inside her car in the parking lot.

As her cause of death was revealed Friday, police were back to square one trying to uncover who killed Britt.

Police had identified a person of interest Thursday based on security camera footage from a nearby gas station. That person came forward Friday and is no longer being looked at, police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock said.

“Now, we just have to start at ground zero again,” Schrock said.

Britt’s slaying has shocked residents in Federal Way’s Twin Lakes neighborhood, where she lived in a two-story, gray-and-white house.

“We’re all just stunned,” said longtime next-door neighbor Jim Dupree, 60. “She was the nicest person.”

Dupree works for The Boeing Co., and so did Britt’s husband before he retired in the late 1980s. Jane Britt worked as an accountant at home. The couple raised three children, including two sons who work for Boeing.

At the home Friday, a family member answered the door and said, “We are not making any statements today.”

Britt was reported missing Wednesday afternoon. One of her sons told police she hadn’t been seen since 7 p.m. Tuesday when she went to Garden Terrace, 491 S. 338th St.

Police found her car, a gold 2002 Mercedes-Benz 320, in the parking lot of the nursing home. Britt was found dead inside the car, but police won’t say exactly where. News Tribune news partner KIRO-TV reported that her body was found in the trunk.

Dupree said Jane Britt visited her husband twice a day, seven days a week. Frank Britt has Parkinson’s disease and has lived in the care facility for about two years, Dupree said.

On Tuesday night, Dupree noticed that the lights weren’t on at Britt’s home like they always were, and he wondered. The next day Britt’s car was still missing, and one of her sons said she missed an appointment.

“It wasn’t a good sign,” Dupree said. “But we never thought it would turn out like this.”

At Garden Terrace, about four miles from Britt’s home, residents and staff members were being offered grief counseling. The 110-resident facility cares for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as those undergoing rehabilitation.

“Everybody has just been very saddened by the whole event,” said Marty Bol, executive director of Garden Terrace. “It’s like losing a member of your family.”

Bol said security has been increased to 24 hours a day. Before the killing, the parking lot wasn’t patrolled at night, she said. Now it is.

The facility has received lots of flowers and other expressions of sympathy.

“All those condolences just helped us start the healing process,” Bol said. “That makes every day a little easier.”

Steve Maynard: 253-597-8647

http://www.thenewstribune.com/311/story/315418.html

[Grande]

Homicide investigation expands
Mar 26 2008
By JACINDA HOWARD, The Mirror

Federal Way police called upon Crime Stoppers to offer a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in the homicide of Jane Carol Britt.

Britt, 75, was found dead in her car March 19 outside the Garden Terrace Alzheimer’s Center residential facility at 491 S. 338th St. in Federal Way. Britt, a resident of Twin Lakes in Federal Way, had visited the center the previous day to see her husband, who is a resident there.

She left the facility at approximately 7 p.m. March 18. When her son was unable to locate her the next day, he visited the center, then reported her absence. That same day, officers located Britt’s body in the trunk of her gold 2002 Mercedes 320 four-door sedan, which was parked at the care facility.

On March 21, the King County Medical Examiner reported Britt’s cause of death as asphyxia due to strangulation. The victim also had injuries from blunt force to her head and neck, reports said.

There is no indication that robbery was the motive for the murder, said police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock.

Soon after police discovered Britt’s body, a video of a suspicious man at a nearby gas station was submitted to police. The man was considered a person of interest, but has since come forward and has been cleared as a possible suspect, Schrock said.

“He didn’t provide any updates (to the investigation),” she said.

On March 21, police processed Britt’s vehicle for forensic evidence, such as DNA and fingerprints, and while Schrock was unable to say exactly what was found, she said police have gathered a significant amount of evidence.

“There was a great deal of evidentiary items recovered, and now it’s just seeing where it leads us,” she said.

The evidence is currently being prioritized and will be submitted to the Washington State Crime Lab, Schrock said. She was unable to determine how long it may take the lab to investigate and analyze the data. But an unsolved homicide case will take priority at the lab, she said.

Crime Stoppers will produce fliers requesting the public to come forward with any tips or information pertaining to the crime. Federal Way police will continue to handle the investigation, Schrock said.

“All we are doing is asking their assistance in requests for information,” she said.

Collaboration with Crime Stoppers is generally done when police have not identified a suspect within a few days’ time, Schrock said.

“If you go a few days without an identified suspect, then you start accessing as many resources as possible,” she said.

Though a suspect has not been identified, Schrock said the case is still a priority and is most definitely active.

“We have certainly not exhausted all leads,” she said.

Anyone with information about the death of Jane Carol Britt is asked to contact Det. Douglas Deyo at (253) 835-6891 or e-mail douglas.deyo@cityoffederalway.com. Also visit the Crime Stoppers Web site at www.crimestoppers-ps.com/pages.php/1000 to submit an anonymous tip via e-mail or call the organization’s 24-hour Washington state tip line at (800) 222-TIPS.

Contact Jacinda Howard: jhoward@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.

http://www.fedwaymirror.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=91&cat=23&id=1181442&more=0

[Grande]

FEDERAL WAY: State Crime Laboratory working on case of slain 75-year-old woman
THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Published: March 27th, 2008 01:00 AM

Federal Way police hope the high-tech equipment at the state Crime Laboratory will help them figure out why someone killed 75-year-old Jane Britt last week.

Police aren’t ruling anything out, but said Wednesday that it doesn’t look like she was robbed or sexually assaulted before being strangled, beaten and locked in the trunk of her own car. The 2002 Mercedes was found March 19 in the parking lot of the nursing home where she had gone to visit her husband.

The crime lab has placed a high priority on processing the evidence, police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock said.

A memorial service for Britt was held Wednesday.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/319212.html

[Grande]

Family honors murdered great-grandmother
Story Updated: Mar 26, 2008 at 7:51 PM PDT
By KOMO Staff

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- Friends and family members gathered on Wednesday to pay their respects to Jane Britt and console each other over the senseless murder.

Last week the 75-year-old was found murdered in the trunk of her car. Police still have no suspects and no motive.

"It's just unthinkable what happened," said friend Lana Buethe.

"We've known her since we were kids. So It's just a tragic loss and doesn't make any sense," added Dan Buethe.

Last Wednesday Britt's body was found strangled and beaten inside the trunk of her car in the parking lot of the Garden Terrace Alzheimer Center where her husband, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, lives. Family members said Britt visited him every day.

"The Federal Way Police Department wants to express their sympathy and compassion to Jane Britt and her family and friends," said police spokesman Cathy Schrock.

Federal Way Police have been investigating the case around the clock. The state patrol crime lab is also treating the case is a top priority and examining forensic evidence, fingerprints, hairs and clothing fibers.

And police, meanwhile, continue to talk with family and employees of the care center. Her friends believe it must have been a random attack.

"I can't see how it could have anything to do with the family or having to do with her. It's just pure evil, just pure evil," Lana said.

The Britt family wanted the memorial service to be a very private affair, but the family wants the murder investigation to be a very public affair. The family wants anyone with any information about the case to contact police.

http://www.komotv.com/news/local/17038136.html

[KittyMom]

This is so sad. I can't imagine how this poor family feels. Her poor husband must be beside himself.

:1222423:

[packy]

My condolences to her family. :1222423:

[ferretplay]

M.E.: Woman Found Dead In Car's Trunk Was Strangled
UPDATED: 10:20 am PDT March 22, 2008

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- A 75-year-old woman found dead in the trunk of her car was strangled, the medical examiner's office said on Friday.

The body of Jane Carol Britt was found Wednesday in her car in the parking lot of a nursing home where she had been visiting her husband.

In other developments Friday, a man seen in surveillance video taken near the care center where Britt was found was ruled out as a suspect in the case, police told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

The video, released Thursday, showed a man who appeared to be limping and who police wanted to speak with about the slaying.

The man came forward, and police determined he was visiting the facility and is not related to the crime, police told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Graham Johnson.

Also on Friday, detectives are processing the vehicle and other items recovered at the scene, police said.

Relatives reported Britt missing when she failed to return from visiting her husband, who lives at the Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Center of Excellence in Federal Way. Police found her body, with what they said were "obvious signs of trauma," in the trunk of her gold 2002 Mercedes 320 4D.

Police said the motive is unclear, and investigators want to hear from anyone who may have seen any recent dubious activity around the Alzheimer's care center.

http://www.kirotv.com/news/15669097/detail.html
Maybe this man interrupted the killer.

[annalyzer]

Odd that this poor lady was strangled to death in a parking lot. If she was targeted for her purse and contents why would someone bother killing her (strangling isn't quick) and not just knock her down and take her purse? Was her purse even taken?

If her husband has Alzheimer's, depending on what stage, he may not even realize she is gone. :1222423:

[Nut44x4]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004327455_webarrest04m.html?syndication=rss

Arrest made in slaying of woman whose body was found in trunk in Federal Way

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a 75-year-old woman who was found in the trunk of her car at a nursing home in Federal Way last month.

The 24-year-old suspect, who was taken into custody Thursday, is a certified nursing assistant at the Garden Terrace facility, where Jane Britt was visiting her husband, who is a resident there, according to Federal Way Police.

Police have not released the suspect's name, pending formal charges. The man, from Kent, was booked into the King County Jail for investigation of murder and robbery and has a bail hearing set for Saturday. He is described as 5'4" and 150 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Police arrested the man after test results matched a DNA sample taken from the victim.

"We're glad about the conclusion, at least from our perspective," said Cmdr. Stan McCall with the Federal Way Police Department. "I know that the community will be relieved."

Britt's body was found March 19 in her Mercedes-Benz in the parking lot of the facility, one day after her family contacted police to report her missing. The King County Medical Examiner's Office determined Britt had been strangled and beaten.

The suspect worked at the Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Residential Care Facility, located at 491 S. 338th Street, for one year, according to a statement from Marty Bol, executive director of the center.

Before he was hired, Bol said, "a background investigation — covering not only the state of Washington but the entire country — turned up no previous offenses, and he was cleared for employment."

Bol said his performance has been "acceptable" and showed "no reason for alarm."

[annalyzer]

I'm telling ya it isn't safe anywhere anymore!!

[Grande]

Not guilty plea entered in Federal Way killing
STEVE MAYNARD; steve.maynard@thenewstribune.com
Published: April 18th, 2008 01:00 AMthenewstribune.com

http://i25.tinypic.com/333ajk6.jpg

A nursing assistant pleaded not guilty Thursday to killing a 75-year-old Federal Way woman at the parking lot of the nursing home where she was visiting her husband.

Joseph N. Njonge, 24, was silent throughout and nodded after his name was read in King County Superior Court. Njonge, of Kent, let his lawyer read his plea of not guilty to first-degree murder in the strangling of Jane Britt.

A dozen Britt family members and loved ones looked on, filling three rows in the courtroom in Kent. Some family members hugged and cried afterward, but said nothing to the media.

“They’re not ready to make any statement at this time,” said Lew Cox, who is working with the family on behalf of Violent Crime Victim Services.

Britt’s body was found March 19 in the trunk of her Mercedes-Benz. It was in the parking lot of Garden Terrace, where she was last seen at 7 p.m. March 18 after visiting her husband, Frank, a resident at the Federal Way nursing home.

Prosecutors believe Britt scratched her assailant during the struggle before she was strangled, resulting in a large sample of DNA under her fingernails.

The State Patrol crime lab matched a full DNA profile with Njonge, who helped take care of Frank Britt and knew Jane Britt, police said.

Scott Saeda, Njonge’s public defender, said in an interview that his client has “a very legitimate reason” why his DNA was found under Britt’s fingernails. Saeda said he couldn’t elaborate for now because he hasn’t received investigative reports from police.

Njonge has received traffic citations but has no criminal history in this country.

The African immigrant has been in the United States for about four years, Saeda said. The attorney said he’s not aware of Njonge having any criminal history in Kenya.

Saeda also said Njonge got along well with Jane Britt. “To the best of my knowledge they were on very good terms,” Saeda said.

Police say robbery is a possible motive. They found a Costco card belonging to Frank Britt in Njonge’s wallet.

Njonge had worked at Garden Terrace for a year and was with the parent company, Life Care, a total of four years.

He remains in jail at the Regional Justice Center in Kent in lieu of $1 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 30.

Steve Maynard: 253-597-8647

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/338452.html

[annalyzer]

Violence and death stain Federal Way in 2008
By JACINDA HOWARD
Federal Way Mirror Reporter
Aug 20 2008

In 2008, a homicide has taken place in Federal Way nearly each month so far.

On March 18, Jane Carol Britt, 75, was slain outside the Garden Terrace Alzheimer’s Center residential facility at 491 S. 338th St. in Federal Way. Britt, a resident of Twin Lakes, visited the center the previous day to see her husband, who was a resident there.

Her body was found by police in the trunk of her car, which was parked at the residential facility. Her cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation. Joseph N. Njonge, 24, a nursing assistant at Garden Terrace at the time, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. Njonge’s trial is scheduled for Nov. 3.

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/fwm/news/27137699.html

[annalyzer]

Can't find anything about the trial that was supposed to take place in November.

[Faith]

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009
Nursing assistant guilty in Federal Way woman's death
Posted by Stacey Mulick @ 10:08:11 am

A jury has convicted a nursing assistant Joseph N. Njonge in the killing of 75-year-old Jane Britt.

The jurors found him not guilty of first-degree murder but guilty of second-degree murder. The verdict was read this morning after nearly two days of deliberation.

Njonge, 25, was charged with first-degree murder, accused of strangling Britt in the parking lot of Garden Terrace nursing home in Federal Way and putting her body in the trunk of her Mercedes-Benz.

The jury had the option to consider convicting Njonge of second-degree murder if they could not agree that he was guilty of first-degree murder. A conviction of second-degree murder does not require premeditation. Njonge faces 10 to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced. A sentencing date was not scheduled today.

The Federal Way woman's body was found March 19, 2008. She is believed to have left the nursing home around 6 p.m. the previous day after visiting her husband, Frank.

Much of the six-day trial centered around DNA evidence.

Prosecutors said Britt scratched her assailant during the fierce struggle before she was strangled, resulting in a large sample of DNA under her fingernails. The State Patrol crime lab matched a full profile with Njonge, who helped take care of Frank Britt and knew Jane Britt.

Njonge's DNA was found under fingernails on both of her hands in an amount equal to Jane Britt's, identifying her killer, said deputy prosecuting attorney Carla Carlstrom.

Njonge's attorney, Philip Sayles, said the amount of Njonge's DNA found under Britt’s nails was small, amounting to 3 percent of a tip of a pen.

During his testimony, Njonge denied killing Britt and putting her body in the trunk of her car.
Njonge has been in custody at the Regional Justice Center in lieu of $1 million bail.

During closing arguments Monday, Carlstrom said the exact reason Britt was murdered may never be known.

Whether Njonge attacked Britt because of complaints she made about Frank Britt's care or because Njonge was worried about being discovered to have taken Frank Britt’s Costco card wasn’t clear, Carlstrom said.

Sayles sought to dispute circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution, pointing to a nursing home worker's testimony that Njonge didn't leave Garden Terrace from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on the night Jane Britt was murdered.

Carlstrom said Britt was slammed up against her car, and her neck was broken by ligature, leaving her paralyzed so she couldn't fight any longer. Then, Britt was strangled her by ligature, Carlstrom said.
What was used to strangle Britt may never be known, Carlstrom said.

Njonge cared regularly for Frank Britt. He died May 21 at Garden Terrace at the age of 78. Frank and Jane Britt were married for 56 years.

A memorial service for Frank Britt is scheduled for Friday.

In his testimony Thursday, Njonge said he wasn't upset by concerns Jane Britt voiced about Frank Britt's shoes not being polished and his teeth not being cared for properly by nursing assistants. Njonge admitted taking Frank Britt's Costco card and a Thomas Kinkade painting and a diamond ring belonging to other residents.

Njonge also testified Thursday that Jane Britt scratched his head with both of her hands on March 18, 2008, in the lighthearted way she had done before because his hair was short.

Sandra Colvin, a head nurse at Garden Terrace, said Monday she never saw Britt touch Njonge's head that day. Moreover, Colvin said she never saw Britt touch or hug any staff member.

Njonge worked with Garden Terrace for less than a year and was with the parent company, Life Care, a total of four years. Garden Terrace is an Alzheimer’s facility at 491 S. 338th St.

Njonge has received traffic citations but has no criminal history in this country. Originally from Kenya, Njonge came to the United States about five years ago.

http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/crime/2009/06/17/nursing_assistant_guilty_in_federal_way_

[Nut44x4]

7/20/09
Former caregiver sentenced for nursing home slaying

A Kenyan man who beat and strangled an elderly woman outside a Federal Way nursing home last year was sentenced today to more than 16 years in prison.

Joseph Njonge was found guilty of second-degree murder during a jury trial last month. The 25-year-old man maintains his innocence.

Jane Britt, 75, was strangled in the parking lot of her husband's Federal Way nursing home on March 18, 2008. Her body was found in the trunk of her car parked outside the Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Center of Excellence the following day.

Police said that Britt fought furiously against her attacker, scratching him so hard that investigators were able to cull a complete DNA profile from the skin cells found under her fingernails. Njonge's DNA matched the cells found underneath Britt's nails. Her husband's Costco card was found in Njonge's wallet.

Howard Britt, the slain woman's son, said after the sentencing hearing this morning that he is working hard to forgive Njonge. He said that every day he says to himself "I forgive Njonge."

"I miss her very much," Britt said about his mother. "I wish him [Njonge] well. I wish when he finishes his sentence the Lord blesses his life."

Njonge declined to speak at today's sentencing hearing. His sister, Ann Njonge, of Seattle, said that he's not guilty.

"I don't know what happened, but I know Joseph is innocent," Ann Njonge testified.

Superior Court Judge Laura Middaugh said that her decision to give Njonge a middle of the range sentence, when he has no prior criminal history, was based on Britt's age and the fact that Njonge was trusted by the Britt family.

"This was very ugly," Middaugh said. "This impacted the community in no way I probably would have thought of."

Defense attorney Phil Sayles, said that when Njonge completes his sentence he will likely be deported to Kenya. Sayles said he has appealed the conviction based on errors he believes Middaugh made during pre-trial hearings.

Sayles was requesting a sentence of about 10 years in prison. Senior Deputy Prosecutor Carla Carlstrom said in court that she still believes that Njonge should have been found guilty of first-degree, premeditated murder.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2009505085_former_caregiver_sentenced_for.html