Arrests made in WA home invasion ring, Everett mom's murder

National crime syndicate tied to murder of Everett mom

Detectives announced the arrests of two suspects in a western Washington home invasion ring, also believed to be responsible for the murder of Irah Sok, a mother and wife who was shot to death during a 2022 break-in in South Everett.

SEATTLE - Detectives announced the arrests of two suspects in a western Washington home invasion ring, also believed to be responsible for the murder of Irah Sok, a mother and wife who was shot to death during a 2022 break-in in South Everett.

Snohomish County Major Crimes detectives delivered more details in a 1:15 p.m. press conference at the federal courthouse in Seattle on Thursday.

New details from Thursday's press conference

On Thursday, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) announced that 28-year-old Kevin Thissel and 23-year-old Chris Johnson of Pierce County are currently in custody on federal charges.

Both suspects are expected to be charged in Washington state with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, first-degree theft of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm.

"The break in this case shows our detective’s perseverance and commitment to solving crimes in our community and bringing us one step closer to justice for Irah and her family," said Sheriff Susanna Johnson. "This senseless act of violence deeply impacted our community, leaving a young child without his mother. This investigation was exceptionally complex, and we would not be here today if it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication by Major Crimes Lead Detective Kendra Conley. We extend our sincere thanks to the Kent Police Department, the FBI, the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their invaluable assistance in this investigation."

Home invasion murder suspect Kevin Thissel. Thissel has a pending charge for unlawful possession of a firearm. He's prohibited from owning a gun due to several other prior convictions that include three counts of second-degree assault. He is also pen

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The investigation is ongoing as detectives work to identify additional suspects involved.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the two suspects are in custody in Washington and have been federally indicted for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) and RICO Conspiracy.

The two are allegedly part of a larger group of criminals responsible for violent home invasions across King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties in Washington, targeting Asian families.

"The indictment alleges that in the summer of 2022, these men targeted certain families for robberies. To create a climate of fear, these men burst into their homes in the middle of the night, dressed in black, claiming to be police, and with guns drawn," said U.S. Attorney Gorman. "The primary motive for this robbery crew was money – stealing any valuables they could ransack from these homes. Tragically, they shot and killed one young mother as her 7-year-old child lay next to her in bed. This indictment seeks to hold them accountable for the terror they visited on our community."

During these crimes, the suspects, some of them juveniles, would impersonate police officers as they broke into homes between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

The DOJ says these criminals had specific roles during the home invasions, including surveillance, driving, breaking in, and corralling families to steal valuables.

The indictment cites seven incidents from May to August 2022, including kidnappings and the murder of Irah Sok.

Here are the seven incidents listed in the indictment:

May 24, 2022 - Armed robbery of a family in Mount Vernon
May 24, 2022 - The kidnapping of a young boy in connection with the Mount Vernon robbery
July 14, 2022 - Armed robbery of a couple in Burien
July 28, 2022 - Armed robbery of a woman in Kent
July 28, 2022 - The abduction of the victim in the Kent robbery to force her to withdraw cash from an ATM
Aug. 19, 2022 - The Everett armed robbery of a couple and their child
Aug. 19, 2022 - The murder of one of the Everett robbery victims (Irah Sok)

23-year-old suspect Chris Johnson was in custody in Snohomish County serving a 90-month prison sentence for domestic violence convictions.

28-year-old suspect Kevin Thissel has a pending charge for unlawful possession of a firearm. He's prohibited from owning a gun due to several other prior convictions that include three counts of second-degree assault. He is also pending trial for first-degree assault for another shooting in Pierce County, where he is currently in custody.

The DOJ says the offenders, including teenagers, face the potential of life in prison.

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(Drawing: FOX 13 Seattle's AJ Janavel)

The FBI and local Washington police departments are continuing the investigation, with federal prosecutors leading the legal process.

Everett mother Irah Sok slain in 2022 home invasion murder

On August 19, 2022, at approximately 3 a.m., three masked men forced their way into the home of 36-year-old Irah Sok. They shot and killed her, and also injured her husband. The couple's son, who was around seven years old at the time, was present during the incident.

According to the SCSO, the investigation revealed that the three armed suspects kicked down the front door to gain entry to the home. They proceeded to the second floor where they entered the primary bedroom. There, one of the suspects shot Sok while she was in bed with her son. The intruders then forced her husband to the floor and zip-tied him.

After assaulting the residents, the three suspects ransacked the house and stole thousands of dollars worth of luxury items.

After the suspect fled, her husband ran from the home seeking help from neighbors.

Investigators described the suspects as adult men wearing masks, who fled the scene and were not immediately located.

Investigators had been working to determine whether the incident was targeted or random and noted three other home invasions in the area that year.

Suspects arrested in home invasion ring that targeted Asian Americans

Federal and local law enforcement called the operation a "robbery ring built on fear," believing they were specifically targeting Asian families.

The community is mourning the well-regarded photographer, who specialized in images of babies and expectant mothers.

"She really spoils her mom and her little boy," Sok's cousin, Aileen Lapuz, said. "She’s a good wife."

Lapuz expressed her family’s devastation and confusion about why anyone would target Sok.

"Irah was taken from us in the most tragic and horrific way," Lapuz said. "Finding justice will be very comforting. It takes a village to solve this crime, and I am really hoping for everyone’s cooperation and assistance."

"Someone knows something," fellow small business owner Kelly stated. "These are three men who got together and did something horrible."

Former clients and fellow business owners say the act of violence has deeply affected their community.

"We have lost a wonderful person who brought so much joy to so many," said former client Sarah. "We cannot let this investigation go cold."

According to the SCSO, this remains an active investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact SCSO Major Crimes tip line at 425-388-3845.