By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
It’s been almost two months since an Onalaska homeowner fatally shot a 56-year-old Morton man he discovered at his house one night, and it could just be a bit longer before a decision will be made about whether the shooting was or was not justified.
The 59-year-old homeowner, whose name has not been released, told sheriff’s detectives he heard a noise and opened the outer garage door to see flashlights shining in his eyes. He fired his weapon, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas S. McKenzie, 56, died at the scene on the 2100 block of state Route 508 in Onalaska.
Sheriff Steve Mansfield said yesterday his office would evaluate the case after all the reports are in, and he expected to get a final briefing later this week. Chief Criminal Deputy Gene Seiber said this morning they are still waiting for some reports from the state crime lab.
“We’re hoping within 30 days, maybe 60 days,” Seiber said.
Deputies responded about 9:45 p.m. on April 19 to “shots fired.”
Detectives learned the homeowner had reported a burglary earlier in the evening at the house which has been under construction for several years. The homeowner decided to stay overnight, in case the burglars returned to steal anything more, the sheriff’s office reported at the time.
John McKenzie, who operates McKenzie Automotive in Morton, said he understands the process takes time.
“There are people in the family who are getting impatient about it, but yeah, I know why it’s slow,” he said.
He said his older brother may very well have been at the Onalaska house earlier that day, with an interest in an old Ford pickup similar to one he had.
Thomas McKenzie was an auto mechanic, mostly for General Motors in his lifetime and had operated an automotive shop in Salem, Ore. for about 10 years.
He moved to Morton about 10 years ago, but had been traveling back and forth to Alaska for the past three, John McKenzie said. He had recently left a job at a Morton mill, he said.
He is the son of Bob McKenzie, who operates Bob’s Barber Shop in Morton. He had three children who were living with him in Morton, and a wife, Joanna McKenzie, according to his brother.
John McKenzie said he realizes some people might be supportive of the homeowner’s actions, especially if it’s concluded his brother was involved in the earlier theft. But he’s hoping the Lewis County prosecutor can be persuaded to give his family justice.
“The fact is, he was unarmed, with no drugs in his system, and was standing there outside when the man opened the door and started shooting,” he said.
Thomas McKenzie was cremated and his ashes have not yet been buried.
Join us