QUICK SUMMARY
A Whatcom County jury convicted John Thomson of second-degree murder for killing his brother, Robert, in North Cascades National Park. Thomson shot his brother 20 times after an altercation during a trip meant for detoxing from substance abuse. He faces sentencing on June 5.
John Thomson, a 42-year-old man from Seattle, was found guilty of second-degree murder for the August 2022 shooting death of his brother, Robert, aged 69, in North Cascades National Park. The two had traveled to their cabin in Republic for detoxification from heroin and alcohol when tensions escalated. Thomson reported that his brother had physically assaulted him during their drive, leading him to feel threatened. In a fit of rage, he shot Robert 20 times after stopping at a turnout. After the shooting, Thomson attempted to hide Robert's body by throwing it down an embankment, hoping it would not be discovered. His defense claimed he acted out of fear for his own life, despite his history as a convicted felon. Alongside the murder charge, Thomson was also found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm. He is set for sentencing on June 5.