FEDERAL WAY, Wash — It has now been nearly seven months since two close friends were fatally shot outside Stars Bar and Grill in Federal Way after their shift.
The pursuit of justice continues, however, as authorities continue their search for a suspect who prosecutors say is on the run.
KING 5 obtained police documents that show the type of probable cause evidence the Federal Way Police Department provided to issue a warrant for the arrest of 31-year-old Samuel Ramirez for murder charges. Among them are surveillance video from the bar, customer receipts and witness statements.
Prosecutors said Ramirez shot three people on May 21. While one victim survived his injuries, Stars Bar employees Katie Duhnke and Jessyca Hohn were killed.
It has been a painful seven months for the seven kids that make up the Duhnke family.
“I had to make the call to some of her other siblings and they were just devastated, just no understanding, just, 'Why would this happen?'," said Kristy Duhnke, her adoptive mother. 'It’s worse now because they don’t know where he’s at."
Her adoptive father, Robert Duhnke, told KING 5 he loved and cared about her deeply.
"I'm proud of who she became. Because really, the top things in life aren't money and things; it's the big ones that she cared about. Love, caring for people, laughter and relationships," he said.
The other woman who died, Jessyca Hohn, who also worked at Stars Bar and Grill, was described as Katie's "inseparable friend."
The Duhnkes said authorities told them they believed an argument had broken out at some point that evening and that Katie Duhnke was trying to ease the tensions.
"From what I hear, she was trying to be the peacemaker of an argument that was going on. And I think there must have been alcohol involved, so she was out in the parking lot. She tried to be the peacemaker. And maybe she said one thing too many, and the guy lost it and shot her in the head and then shot the other one, and the other person took off running," said Robert Duhnke.
They said there's reason to believe Ramirez might be in Mexico. That is why Kristy Duhnke says U.S. Marshals are on board with the manhunt.
"There’s a possible extradition if they can find him," she said.
Sadly, nothing can bring back their loved one, but they are just glad she blessed their lives in the first place.
"I could just say thank you to Katie for just being that person that brought light into the room, you know?” said Robert Duhnke.
If you have any useful information for police searching for Ramirez, you’re asked to contact the Federal Way Police Department.