Family offers $20,000 reward after Coast Guard officer is killed in Washington shooting
The family of a 29-year-old U.S. Coast Guard officer is pleading for information after he was fatally shot in a residential Washington neighborhood.
Lieutenant Connor Scott Overstreet was discovered with a gunshot wound to his chest in Bryn Mawr-Skyway at approximately 12:40 a.m. on August 23, according to KING 5 News.
King County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to provide emergency aid, but Overstreet did not survive.
Investigators are treating his death as a homicide, while his family is offering $20,000 for information that leads authorities to the person responsible.
Investigators seek surveillance footage
Authorities have asked people living near the scene to examine footage from their home security systems and vehicle cameras.
Investigators are particularly interested in any vehicles or individuals recorded in the area between 12:30 a.m. and 1:15 a.m. on the morning of the shooting.
No arrest has been announced.
Overstreet’s family increased the reward for useful information to $20,000, according to Fox 13. Relatives also established an online fundraiser in hopes of raising the amount further.
By Saturday night, the fundraiser had collected more than $57,000.
Organizers said any money not used for the reward could help ease the financial burden placed on the family. Any funds remaining after that may be donated to a charitable organization that Overstreet would have supported.
“The outpouring of love, support, outrage and offers to help have lifted our hearts in this dark time,” a message on the fundraiser said.
Wife remembers the man who wanted to save lives
Overstreet was an active-duty officer assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Ventura. His wife, Madeline, described him as her “rock” while appealing to the public for help.
“All Connor wanted to do was save lives by flying for the Coast Guard,” she told Fox 13. “His loss is a tragedy felt by countless people. He was truly the best of us.”
Madeline said she was honored to remain his wife “forever and always.”
“We plead with you to help us find answers, justice and peace for Connor and all who loved him so deeply,” she added.
Her appeal emphasized the contrast between Overstreet’s commitment to protecting others and the unexplained violence that ended his life.
Grieving father asks the public to come forward
Overstreet’s father, Brennan, also issued an appeal for information that could help investigators identify his son’s killer.
“I plead with the public to come forward with any information that may help bring justice for Connor,” he said.
Brennan acknowledged that no development in the investigation could undo the family’s loss, but said the increased reward might provide the answers they desperately need.
“Our family is devastated by the senseless loss of Connor,” he continued. “He brought joy, love and kindness to all who knew him, and the world is a darker place without him in it.”
Overstreet’s sister, Shea, remembered him as her “best friend” in a social media tribute.
“Connor lived the fullest life and yet had so much more to live,” she wrote. “I’ll never recover and love you forever, Connor.”
Coast Guard officer returned with full honors
Overstreet’s remains were returned to Air Station Ventura with full honors on Friday.
The U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area confirmed his death and offered condolences to those who knew him.
“The Coast Guard is deeply saddened to confirm the death of Lt Connor Overstreet, an active-duty member at Coast Guard Air Station Ventura, following an incident in the Seattle area,” its statement said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the member’s family, friends and shipmates during this tragic time.”
A memorial honoring Overstreet is scheduled for September 3.
As his family prepares to remember his life, investigators are continuing their search for evidence. Anyone who was in the Bryn Mawr-Skyway area around the time of the shooting is being urged to review available camera footage and report anything that could help solve the case.
