A 22-year-old Costco employee is facing a second-degree murder charge after allegedly driving into a co-worker riding a motorcycle in Issaquah, Washington. Prosecutors say Tyler Sorensen followed Jonathon Langdon from a Costco parking lot and struck his motorcycle on July 31. Authorities allege jealousy motivated the incident after Sorensen saw Langdon hug a female co-worker. Langdon died after being thrown into a metal signpost, according to investigators.
Police say Sorensen left the scene and returned about an hour later with a family member. The case remains an allegation, and the charge will proceed through the court system.
| 1) | The fatal collision in Issaquah |
| 2) | The alleged motive involving a workplace hug |
| 3) | What investigators say happened after the crash |
| 4) | Conflicting accounts of the relationship |
| 5) | The murder charge and investigation |
The fatal collision in Issaquah
The incident occurred on July 31 in Issaquah, a Seattle suburb, after both men had been at a Costco location. According to court documents, prosecutors allege that Sorensen followed Langdon out of the parking lot before moving into the motorcycle’s lane and hitting it with his car.
Authorities say the impact threw Jonathon Langdon, 20, from the motorcycle and into a metal signpost. He died from injuries sustained in the collision. Tyler Sorensen, 22, was subsequently charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death.
The alleged motive involving a workplace hug
Investigators say Sorensen told them he became jealous after seeing Langdon hug a female co-worker. Sorensen allegedly described the woman as his girlfriend and said the two had been in a relationship for roughly two to three months, ending in late May.
Authorities also say Sorensen sent messages to friends after seeing the hug, writing that his “blood is boiling.” Prosecutors have presented the alleged reaction as part of the circumstances surrounding the collision, while the charge remains subject to court proceedings.
What investigators say happened after the crash
Police allege that Sorensen drove away after striking Langdon’s motorcycle rather than remaining at the scene. About an hour later, he returned with a family member and spoke with investigators, according to the Issaquah Police Department.
Prosecutors say Sorensen initially told his father that he had “done something stupid” and had been involved in a collision but continued driving. After realizing that his son had left an accident scene, the father drove him back to the location, authorities said.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim as they process this tragic loss of life,” Issaquah Police Chief Steve Mylett said.
Conflicting accounts of the relationship
The alleged relationship between Sorensen and the female co-worker is disputed. Sorensen reportedly told law enforcement that the pair had dated for several months and that the relationship had ended weeks before the crash.
The woman gave investigators a different account, saying they had never dated and that she regarded Sorensen only as a friend. She also told police that she had repeatedly asked him to give her space and had said he was crossing boundaries, according to authorities.
The murder charge and investigation
The second-degree murder charge is based on allegations that Sorensen intentionally drove into Langdon’s motorcycle after becoming angry. Sorensen allegedly told investigators that his actions were “stupid” and that he only intended to frighten Langdon, an account prosecutors will address as the case moves forward.
Investigators are relying on witness accounts, statements attributed to Sorensen, and security video showing events before the collision. The evidence will be evaluated in court, where Sorensen is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The crash occurred July 31 in Issaquah. |
| 2 | Jonathon Langdon died after being thrown from his motorcycle. |
| 3 | Tyler Sorensen faces a second-degree murder charge. |
| 4 | Investigators allege jealousy followed a hug between Langdon and a co-worker. |
| 5 | Police say Sorensen left the scene and returned about an hour later. |
Summary
Authorities allege that workplace jealousy led Sorensen to strike Langdon’s motorcycle in Issaquah, killing the 20-year-old rider. The investigation includes security footage and statements from Sorensen and the female co-worker, whose accounts differ regarding their relationship. Sorensen’s second-degree murder case will determine whether prosecutors can prove that the collision met the legal standard for the charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the collision?
Jonathon Langdon, 20, died after allegedly being struck while riding his motorcycle in Issaquah.
What charge does Tyler Sorensen face?
Sorensen, 22, faces a charge of second-degree murder.
What motive do prosecutors allege?
Investigators allege that Sorensen became jealous after seeing Langdon hug a female co-worker.
What happened after the crash?
Police say Sorensen left the scene and returned about an hour later with a family member.