Vancouver Man Convicted of Fatal Bow and Arrow Murder
A Washington jury found Richard Vanderhoek guilty of second-degree murder after a 2024 shooting.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Violence
A jury has convicted 49-year-old Richard Vanderhoek of second-degree murder for killing 42-year-old David Collins with a bow and arrow. The fatal incident occurred in Vancouver, Washington, following a confrontation between the two men.
Why it matters
The conviction follows a high-profile trial where the defendant unsuccessfully argued that the act was committed in self-defense. The case highlights the legal consequences of lethal escalation in personal disputes.
Richard Vanderhoek is currently held in the Clark County Jail awaiting his final sentencing. The court has scheduled the sentencing hearing for September 30, 2026.
The players
Richard Vanderhoek
He is the 49-year-old defendant who was found guilty of second-degree murder in the killing of David Collins.
David Collins
He was the 42-year-old victim who was found dead with an arrow in his chest in the 3200 block of NE Petticoat Lane.
The details
Prosecutors argued that Vanderhoek hunted down David Collins and drove his vehicle toward the victim after an argument before firing the fatal shot. While the defendant claimed he was assaulted during the encounter and showed scrapes on his face and elbow as evidence, the jury ultimately rejected his plea of self-defense.
Timeline
April 2, 2024: Richard Vanderhoek called 911 at 6:45 a.m. and deputies found the victim.
September 30, 2026: Richard Vanderhoek is scheduled to be sentenced.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard procedural framework for homicide prosecution in Washington state, where claims of self-defense are strictly evaluated against evidence of intent and provocation. The outcome mirrors a pattern of stringent judicial responses to lethal force in local personal disputes.
The resolution of this case provides closure to the community following a violent incident in the 3200 block of NE Petticoat Lane. Residents can expect no further immediate safety advisories related to this specific criminal investigation.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates how claims of self-defense are weighed against evidence of pursuit and escalation in the courtroom. It serves as a reminder of the permanent legal and personal consequences resulting from the use of lethal force during interpersonal conflicts.
What happens next
Richard Vanderhoek is scheduled for sentencing on September 30, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing criminal proceedings in the area, visit Violence.
