Law enforcement has released video of a man wanted in connection to a triple homicide south of Rockport in August.
Jason Birman has been missing since Aug. 9 after a fire destroyed a home he was living in at the time. Three bodies were recovered in the fire: Birman’s wife Erin, 52, her son Taylor Dawson, 19, and Dawson’s girlfriend, Jillian Whitney Van Boven, 18.
The Skagit County Coroner ruled gunshot wounds had contributed to the death of the three individuals.
In the video released by the U.S. Marshals Service, Birman is at a store purchasing items. Law enforcement hopes Birman’s distinct way of speaking helps the public identify his whereabouts.
Andy Wong, the supervisory deputy for the U.S. Marshals Service Western District of Washington, said the video was taken prior to Birman’s disappearance.
A $15,000 reward is being offered for information about Birman that leads to his arrest.
Birman, 50, is 5-foot-11, weighing around 210 pounds and is balding with blond hair and blue eyes. He wears glasses.
His truck, a blue 1994 Chevrolet Pickup Truck GMT400 with Washington plates, registration C67636L, has also not been seen since the fire.
Anyone who has had contact with Birman or has any information about his whereabouts is urged to call the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-926-8332, submit a tip using USMS Tips or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). If seen, call 911 and do not approach.
Erin Birman was described by her four remaining children as “a force of nature, a woman who faced life’s challenges head-on with a spirit that could never be broken.” She had 11 grandchildren.
Taylor and Jillian shared a deep love of the outdoors and both enjoyed hiking barefoot in the mountains.
Jillian loved forensics and animal veterinary sciences. Taylor worked at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, near the confluence of the Sauk and Skagit rivers.
GoFundMe pages have been set up for Erin and Taylor’s family, Jillian’s father Matt and her mother GuruBani Whitney Young to help offset the costs of memorial services, counseling and other unexpected expenses due to the tragedy.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
