1st-degree murder charges filed in dog trainer’s disappearance
Email | Print | 3191 views Tahlia Ganser | Skagit Valley Herald
November 13, 2009 - 01:36 PM
Last Updated: November 13, 2009 - 05:15 PM

A 41-year-old Kennewick man was charged with first-degree premeditated murder for the homicide of an elite Anacortes-area dog trainer, though the victim’s body still hasn’t been found more than a week after he disappeared.

Skagit County Superior Court documents filed by Prosecuting Attorney Rich Weyrich Friday morning outline new information that Michiel Glen Oakes planned the death of T. Mark Stover Oct. 28.

The evidence includes a receipt found in Oakes’ car from the Mount Vernon Wal-Mart dated Oct. 28 for three ankle weights, anchor line, a backpack, children’s shin guards and a camouflage sweat suit, court documents say.

Investigators found a backpack matching the one on the receipt in the car. The backpack included a single .22 caliber round and .22 gun silencer instructions, court documents say.

Oakes had a receipt on his laptop indicating that he had paid to attend a tactical school, the documents say.

On the afternoon of Oct. 28, hours after Stover was last seen, Oakes met up with his ex-wife in Everett. Oakes told her he was involved in a “job gone bad,” the affidavit says.

Oakes told her if police knew what was in the back of his car he would go to prison for the rest of his life, the affidavit says.

• Tahlia Ganser can be reached at 360-416-2148 or at .






More Local News

Top Jobs

Cook for fast paced kitchen, must work clean, 1-3 shifts/week. Apply in person Thur. or Fri. 7-11am, Edison Cafe, 5797 Main St.


Advertising Director Skagit Publishing seeks an Advertising Director with a minimum of five years newspaper or multimedia experience and a proven track record of reaching goals and developing talent for its daily (18,000 Sunday), free and paid weeklies, niche and other products. We're looking for someone who can lead the Advertising staff and direct its overall success. Responsibilities include all aspects of advertising revenue generation; budgeting; and customer, employee and community relations. Key skills will include active participation in overall organizational development and strategic direction. Ability to motivate staff and lead them into the digital age will also be important. We are located in Skagit County in beautiful Northwest Washington near the water and mountains. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Send resume, reference and salary requirements to: Skagit Publishing Attn: Stacy De La O P.O. Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, or email sdelao@skagitpublishing.com. IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.


Project Manager Assistant/ Grants Coordinator The Public Works Department of the Swinomish Tribal Community has an opening for a Project Manager Assistant/Grants Coordinator. The position will oversee assigned aspects of Tribal development projects and programs relating to their development, design, construction, inspection, and administration. 5 years of administrative experience, with at least two years work experience in an area related to work responsibilities. A high school diploma or equivalent is a must. Bachelor's Degree desired. Salary is up to $21.00 an hour with full benefits. Request a Swinomish Tribal Community application by calling (360) 466-1216 or e-mail to wbill@ swinomish.nsn.us Mail cover letter and resume along with the application to: Swinomish Tribal Community, Human Resource Office, 11404 Moorage Way, LaConner, WA. 98257


Mechanic's Helper, food equipment & refrigeration. Background and drug screen. $10-$15 DOE. 360-202-9460


Bilingual Apartment Maintenance Worker needed for affordable farm worker apartments. Must have two years experience, be personable and professional, and have valid WA State drivers license, insurance and reliable vehicle. Send resume to Almap@ccsww.org or call 360-424-3883


OTR, 11 Western States Canada Eligible a Plus Clean MVR & Background APPLY ONLINE www.knighttrans.com 206-767-1041 Class A CDL-Min 6 mos.


P/T cooks, day or night, 20 hrs. per week, Tues.-Sat. Empire Ale House, 314 W. Gates St., Mount Vernon. 360-336-9944


OFFICE ASSISTANT Superior organizational skills, professional with public, ability to prioritize and multi-task, proficient with Word, work in team-based environment, additional hours during summer season. Min. of 2 yrs exp. in similar position. F/T M-F 8-5 and 1 or 2 Sat. per mo, 9-2. $10.50/hr. Raises and benefits avail. in 3 mo. Submit cover letter with resume to: HR Dept., PO Box 822, Anacortes, WA 98221


EXPERIENCED CASHIERS F/T and P/T positions available. Must be able to work nights & weekends. Competitive pay. 2 weeks paid vacation. Bonus plan after 6 months of employment. Apply in person at: Swinomish Chevron located near Northern Lights Casino


P/T Office Cleaning. Exp. Required. Apply at 1404 Riverside, Suite G, MV