Sammamish man took accused killer into his home, 'cared for him like a son', friends say

SAMMAMISH, Wash. -- Family friends say a Sammamish man who was slain in his own home not only knew his accused killer but treated him like a son.

Authorities arrested the suspect, Kevin Patterson, 20, and an unidentified 18-year-old in British Columbia Wednesday night and recovered a car stolen from the Sammamish home.

The King County Sheriff’s Office believes both were involved in the man's slaying at his home in the 23100 block of 26th Place SE in Sammamish.



Although the King County Medical Examiner's Office has not released the name of the victim, family members and friends fear it is 57-year-old Richard Bergesen. Loved ones reached by phone in Virginia said they have been in contact with authorities as they wait for a positive identification.

Friends say Bergesen met Patterson, who was homeless, through the Overlake Christian Church and allowed him to live at his home.

Dave and Cathryn Brown were close friends with Bergesen. In a statement, they said, “Over that time, Richard got to know Patterson and his story and truly cared for him like a son.”

The Brown family says Bergesen paid for Patterson to enroll at Bellevue College.

Friends described Bergesen as kind and generous.  He was also very involved with his church. He went on a mission trip to Chile and two trips to South Africa to work with AIDS patients, according to the Brown family statement.

“Despite this tragedy we would hope that Richard’s story would still inspire others to care for homeless youth and give back to the community for that is what Richard would want,” said the Brown family.

Following a court hearing Thursday, authorities will engage in extradition talks to bring Patterson and the 18-year-old back to the U.S.