Cowlitz Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

UPDATE: 2nd Suspect In Murder Arrested: Cowlitz Sheriff Detectives Make Arrest In 2016 Homicide -- October 9, 2018 -10/11/18

Update:   Cowlitz Sheriff Detectives arrested Kristopher L. Hoyt age 27 for Murder in the 1st degree.  He is the second person to be arrested in this case.   Hoyt was picked up by detectives from the prison in Monroe Washington earlier today and he was booked in to the Cowlitz County Jail this afternoon.  

Hoyt is expected to have his first court appearance tomorrow.   Media will have to call the Cowlitz Superior Court for details about court appearance times.  

The case is still a very active investigation.  Anyone who has any information about Griffin or Hoyt's involvement in this murder is encouraged to call Sergeant Troy Brightbill at 360-577-3092.  

People who wish to remain anonyous can use their smart phones and the tip411 app as long as they make the tips attention to the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office.

CCD C. Rosenzweig

Previous media release below.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Woodland, WA: After two years of active investigation, Cowlitz County Sheriff’s detectives arrested a male suspect in the 2016 murder of 62 year old Donald William Howard of Woodland, WA. Mr. Howard was found murdered in his Dahlia St. home on November 22, 2016. Woodland Police and the Sheriff’s Office have worked together on this investigation since the onset.

The suspect, Dustin Alan Griffin, age 39 of Vancouver, WA was arrested late yesterday, and was booked in the Cowlitz County Jail for Murder in the 1st Degree. (It is unknown what time his arraignment will be.)

“This is an example of the great day-in and day-out hard work being done by our detectives. We knew from the beginning that we were going to solve this case, but it has taken hard work and tenacity by these guys to get it done.” said Cowlitz County Sheriff Mark Nelson. “I couldn’t be happier for Mr. Howard’s family that this part of their nightmare is over.”

Media Note: Washington law prevents us from releasing the suspect’s booking photo and the relatives have indicated that they do not wish to be interviewed by the media at this time.

Chief Criminal Deputy Charlie  Rosenzweig 

Attached Media Files: , Flier SOLVED,