Arrest made in deadly carjacking in Kent



UPDATE: Kent Police have made an arrest in connection to the carjacking and shooting death of 38-year-old Jered Sperling.

The suspect has been identified as a 23-year-old Kent resident, according to the Kent Police Department. His name has not been released because he has not been formally charged yet.


Kent investigators also have identified the other person of interest, but police said he’s no longer a suspect.


KENT, Wash. -- Kent Police are searching for two persons of interest after a missing man's body was found Tuesday.

Jered Sperling, 38, was found shot to death at an apartment complex in Kent after his truck was stolen with him inside.  The carjacking happened just after 8 p.m. Monday at the East Hill Storage Facility, 10625 SE 240th St.

A tenant at the storage facility contacted Jered's wife and said Jered jumped in the back of the truck to try to stop it from being stolen.
Customers of the East Hill Self Storage facility on SE  240th Street say Sperling ran the business with care and compassion.

“He was just a solid guy always smiling and helping people out,” said Marquis Sims, who rents storage space at the facility. “They were just good people, it’s a tragedy how someone could take someone’s life over something not even valuable.”
Tuesday afternoon, Kent Police released photos of two persons of interest in the case.  They're asking anyone with information to call 911, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or the Kent Police tip line at 253-856-5808.

Jered's family started a GoFundMe to help his family pay for funeral costs and other expenses.  They also released the following statement Tuesday:


"Jered was a transplant from California who fell in love with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. He only wanted the best for each and every person. He worked tirelessly to make a difference in this neighborhood and took great pride in his job and life. He was a loving, happy and helping husband, brother, son and friend. We ask at this time that you take a moment to love those close to you. We will be cherishing our Jered and the passionate, beautiful man he was. Please respect our family's privacy as we grieve."