Families of three people killed in a high-speed crash on State Route 18 are remembering their loved ones as prosecutors reveal new details about the suspect’s alleged criminal history. Authorities say the man accused of causing the crash was also involved in a fatal shooting less than two weeks earlier, a case that has now resulted in a separate murder charge.
Crash
The deadly crash occurred around 1 a.m. on June 4 near the SR-18 interchange at Enchanted Parkway and the Interstate 5 on-ramps. According to Washington State Patrol, troopers observed a vehicle traveling more than 130 miles per hour on SR-167.
Investigators say the driver, later identified as Robert Bernard Ousley, was fleeing law enforcement when the vehicle lost control, struck a guardrail, rolled over, and crashed into a pole on SR-18. Three people died as a result of the collision.
Those killed were 4-year-old Lashea Cook, her mother Jayleen Cook, and 18-year-old Aniya Danielle Wellington. The crash remains under investigation.
Charges
King County prosecutors now say Ousley faces a murder charge stemming from a separate incident days before the crash. Court documents allege that Ousley shot and killed 25-year-old Marcus Pressley at the Chandlers Bay Apartments in Kent.
Prosecutors state that Ousley “specifically targeted the victim to kill due to some perceived notion of retaliation.” Pressley was found with nine gunshot wounds to his back. Investigators also allege Ousley threatened witnesses after the shooting, warning them they would be killed if they spoke to authorities.
Due to the seriousness of the charges and concerns that Ousley may flee, prosecutors have asked a judge to set bail at $10 million. Ousley is scheduled to be arraigned on the murder charge on June 22.
Victims
Relatives of those killed in the SR-18 crash spoke with KIRO 7 about the people they lost and the impact on their families.
“They had a name. They were loved,” said Gail Johnson, the mother of Aniya Danielle Wellington.
Johnson said her daughter recently began working at a child care center and hoped to one day become a mother herself. She described Wellington as someone who shared love freely and ended every phone call by telling her mother, “I love you, Mommy.”
“How am I supposed to not hear that anymore?” Johnson said.
Wellington’s siblings said she left a positive impression on everyone she met.
Timani Cook, the father of Lashea Cook, said he will remember his daughter’s bright smile and joyful spirit.
“It just brought joy to me,” Cook said. “She was making me the best dad I can be.”
Cook said his daughter was curious, learning quickly, and had a future full of promise.
Investigation
The SR-18 crash investigation is ongoing, and additional charges related to the collision have not yet been announced. Authorities have not said whether evidence from the earlier homicide investigation played a role in identifying Ousley as the crash suspect.
Family members have set up GoFundMe pages to help cover funeral expenses and other costs for the victims, including funds in memory of Aniya Danielle Wellington, Lashea Cook, Jayleen Cook, and Marcus Pressley.
FAQs
What happened in the SR-18 crash?
A speeding vehicle fleeing police crashed, killing three people.
Who were the victims of the crash?
A 4-year-old girl, her mother, and an 18-year-old woman.
Who is the suspect in the crash?
Prosecutors identify the suspect as Robert Bernard Ousley.
Why is Ousley facing a murder charge?
He is accused of killing a man in Kent days before the crash.
Is the crash investigation complete?
No, the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
