Seattle City Wire

A man from Olympia, Washington, Mikey Diamond Starrett, also known as Michael Jason Layes, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for a series of arson attacks and a shooting spree targeting Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls in 2018. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced the sentencing, which took place at the U.S. District Court in Tacoma.

Starrett pleaded guilty in May 2024 to four counts of damage to religious property and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence. Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo remarked on the gravity of the offenses, stating that they involved "terrorizing a group of individuals because of their religious beliefs."

U.S. Attorney Gorman emphasized the impact on the community: “Mr. Starrett’s attacks irrevocably destroyed the sense of safety and peace that a house of worship is supposed to provide.” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke highlighted the fundamental civil right to practice religion without discrimination or violence.

The incidents included fires set by Starrett at Kingdom Halls in Tumwater and Olympia on March 19, 2018, with another fire completely destroying the Olympia location on July 3, 2018. Additionally, on May 15, 2018, he fired rounds into a Kingdom Hall in Yelm using an assault-style rifle. The damages exceeded $700,000.

Starrett was arrested after an extensive investigation led by various law enforcement agencies including ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais who stated that “the sentence is appropriate for his egregious actions.”

Prosecutors described Starrett's actions as "violent" and "premeditated," showing disregard for public safety and potential wildfire risks.

At the hearing, members of the Jehovah’s Witness community expressed fear over future attacks: “I wondered if the arsonist would strike again with people inside,” said one statement read by a spokesman.

The investigation involved collaboration between multiple agencies such as ATF Seattle Field Division, FBI, Tumwater Police Department, and Olympia Police Department. The case prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jonas Lerman and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum.

Further information about DOJ's efforts against hate crimes can be found at www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.