EVERETT — The final memory Christopher Buck’s daughter holds of her father is her attempt to awaken him, a heartbreaking moment as he lay lifeless, prosecutors detailed in legal filings.
Tragically, he was murdered in her presence.
Nearly two years later, Ryan Rafter, aged 42, was handed a life sentence without the possibility of parole by Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Edirin Okoloko for the fatal incident that transpired during a drug-related robbery at Buck’s residence.
Following a trial spanning more than a fortnight, Rafter was found guilty of aggravated murder on February 13. The jury, along with the judge, viewed surveillance footage capturing the heinous act. After half a day of deliberation, the jurors reached their verdict.
Judge Okoloko remarked, “The chilling nature of the crime unfolded before the jury and this court. The image of the child desperately trying to awaken her dying father, as his life ebbed away, underscores the sheer brutality of this act.”
In addition to aggravated murder, Rafter was also convicted of first-degree robbery and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Prior to the trial, he had pleaded guilty to charges of residential burglary and illegal possession of a firearm for unlawfully entering another individual’s apartment within the same complex, pilfering valuables.
Having a criminal record that included eight prior felonies, Rafter had previously served over five years in prison for various offenses. Despite his release in February 2022, he found himself back in legal trouble shortly thereafter.
In April of the same year, accompanied by two associates, Rafter visited Buck’s residence on Timber Hill Drive. Buck, aged 29, shared the apartment with his significant other.
Interestingly, one of the companions was the babysitter for Buck’s children. As per court documents, the babysitter, accompanied by another woman, dropped off the children at Buck’s place. Rafter trailed behind them.
The babysitter handed over the children, while the other woman remained outside the apartment, as captured by surveillance footage.
Shortly after, Rafter, disguised in a high-collared jacket, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses, stealthily entered Buck’s apartment. His intention was to rob Buck’s partner of her stash of drugs, as she was allegedly a dealer in possession of heroin worth $40,000.
Upon entering the bedroom, Rafter menaced to harm Buck and his partner, who was cradling an infant at the time.
The footage revealed Rafter forcefully pushing Buck’s partner, who was holding the infant daughter, before turning his aggression towards Buck. Subsequently, he snatched a backpack from Buck and fatally shot him in the head before fleeing in a white Toyota Camry.
Buck succumbed to his injuries the following day. Rafter was apprehended by the police in downtown Everett a few days later. Upon searching his backpack, law enforcement discovered a stash of illegal substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, along with a weighing scale.
Deputy prosecutor Melissa Samp advocated for a life sentence without parole for the murder. According to legal standards, individuals convicted of aggravated first-degree murder are typically mandated to serve life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Samp stated in court documents, “The defendant has deprived two innocent children of a life with their father. He should endure a similar fate behind bars.”
Conversely, defense attorney Kenneth Williams contended in legal filings that Rafter’s descent into criminal activities was triggered by personal setbacks, such as losing his home and job.
“Ryan, who once led a lawful and constructive life, still has the potential to contribute positively to society after fulfilling his debt to the legal system,” Williams argued. “He should be given a chance for parole.”
In a poignant letter addressed to the judge, Buck’s mother expressed her perpetual grief, unable to speak of her son in the past tense as it would imply his absence.
“My life is forever altered, and I do not foresee any respite from this profound sorrow until I reunite with him,” she penned. “This is my reality now, a life overshadowed by sadness every single day until I am reunited with him.”
During the court proceedings, Rafter opted to remain silent.