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[soft music]
The reward fund continues to grow
in the mysterious case of four Bald Eagles--
apparently shot to death--
at a lake just outside of Granite Falls.
The latest contribution comes from
a Portland-based timber company.
There's been another generous offer
made to us from the Campbell Group Timber Company
of an additional 65-hundred dollars.
And they happen to own property around the lake
where this occurred.
With the timber company's contribution
the reward for information
leading to an arrest and conviction in this case
now stands at more than 20-thousand dollars.
The dead eagles were discovered in a lake on January 9th
seemingly shot right out of the trees where they'd been perched.
No parts of their bodies removed or taken.
There's a popular notion going around
that kids likely shot the birds.
That's the...the general consensus that I've heard as well from people.
Uhm...I think it's certainly possible,
but really, at this point, we can't rule anybody out.
While investigators don't know whether all four eagles
were killed around the same time on the same day,
it's hard to imagine three eagles hanging around like sitting ducks
once the first eagle was shot.
One of the things that a couple of people who, who spend time
around eagles have told me...
they find it hard to believe that it would be a single shooter
because if, "if" this all hapened in one moment...
Right.
If you shoot, if one person were to shoot an eagle,
the others would likely--without hesitation--
Exactly.
be on their way.
Hmm. Hmm.
Is it possible there may have been more than one shooter?
I'm, I think so. It's possible.
Again, with the limited information that we have this far,
it's hard to say,
but I think it's very possible that it could be two people.
Investigators aren't saying whether shell casings
were found at the scene.
And they have not released the name of the lake, either.
There are several lakes in the Granite Falls area.
Can you tell us whether anybody who lives in that general area
has reported any suspicious activity?
There's been a couple of reports...
suspicious vehicles.
So, right now, those leads are being looked into.
But I don't have a suspicious subject at this point.
There are so many people that are outraged by this
and touched by this.
And not just in our local community.
And not just in the tribal community, but nationwide.
[sounds of singing and dancing]
The Stillaguamish Tribe has donated 10-thousand dollars to the reward fund.
[sounds of singing and dancing]
This particular crime was devastating to the tribe.
And the tribe and its members are outraged.
The, the crime scene's totally senseless...
totally waste...wasteful
and makes no sense, at all.
We're, we're trying to piece it together; why somebody would do something like this.
[sounds of singing and dancing]
There is spiritual, religious, ceremonial significance
and connection between Puget Sound tribes
and the Stillaguamish Tribe
and Bald Eagles. And you do see it
in the verbal stories that are told in tribal culture.
You see it in the artwork.
You see it in wood carvings.
[sound of tribal drum and singing]
That includes these carvings at each end of Tribal Headquarters.
And the eagle's very spiritual to...
Indian country
and, and our culture.
And so, to have something like this happen,
to take a life is...
you know, an act of disrespect
to, to not only the life of the eagle,
but to the culture that it supports and represents.
The connection between tribe
and sacred bird
very much apparent at the Tribal Chairman's home.
You know, they're the eyes to the other side.
They're the, the messengers from our ances...
or for our ancestors and they watch over us.
And to take the life of an eagle like that...
...It, it, it is...
I don't understand it. And nor does the tribe.
And it's just...
It just shows that there's no care for life.
If there is somebody out there who's watching this right now,
and they think they know something,
even if they just suspect it might be useful,
what would you say to that person?
I would say to them that no matter how insignificant
they might think their information is,
to call our department.
The number to call: 877-933-9847.
You can also provide a tip by email
by writing to: reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov.
I am certain somebody knows something.
And I'm just asking that
you do the right thing.
In Arlington, Mark Horner reporting.
[closing credits / no sound]