LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Police are investigating after thieves targeted a gaming and collectibles store in Lakewood.
The break-in over the weekend is a major setback for the small business owner. At Pacific Northwest Gaming and Collectibles, they're still tallying the cost of what was taken.
"Binders of Pokémon cards valued anywhere from $1 to $500, $600 each,” said owner Robert Cantrell.
Also gone are video games and Lego sets. Cantrell said at least $26,000 worth of merchandise was stolen. A surveillance camera captured a car pulling into the parking lot on Sunday after 2 a.m.
"You see him pull in, pacing out there, checking around the area, and then leaving 20 minutes later,” said Cantrell. "I'm not going to let people ruin our dream.”
It is a dream that started a long time ago for him and his twin sister, Kassanndra Cantrell.
"We were both horror fans since we were seven,” he said.
Over the years, the twins collected autographs and together decided to open a gaming and collectibles store. But his sister didn't live long enough to see it.
"August 25, 2020, she was murdered by Colin, and she was murdered because she was pregnant,” Cantrell said.
Court documents state that Cantrell discovered she was pregnant and told her doctors Colin Dudley was the father. She was reported missing the following month. A police investigation led to Dudley’s arrest in connection with her murder in September of 2020. About two years later, Dudley pleaded guilty and was given a 26-year prison sentence.
For Robert, what happened to his twin sibling weighs on him every day.
"I actually feel like part of me is gone,” he said.
The theft hurts, but he's determined to not let the setback stop him.
"As long as I can keep her stuff safe and her story alive in the public eye that's all I am here for," said Cantrell. “All I can do is continue keeping Kassanndra’s dream alive."
A fundraiser has been started to help the Cantrell family repair and secure their store with new re-enforced doors and security.
“The ultimate goal is for the family to be able to continue the living tribute for Kassanndra Cantrell,” the online fundraiser said.
The Lakewood police department is investigating.