On May 8, 2026, 32-year-old Jordan Cernich was killed in his Ferndale, Washington, apartment during a confrontation with his girlfriend’s ex-husband, 49-year-old Michael Steven Daniels Jr. The altercation began after Daniels, in violation of a no-contact order, forced his way into the 2300 block of Ferndale Terrace residence around 3:30 a.m. and allegedly took the woman’s phone and brandished a handgun.

Cernich returned home and intervened to protect his girlfriend. A struggle followed; Cernich struck Daniels in the head with an object. Daniels then fired multiple shots, striking Cernich. Despite his wounds, Cernich identified Mike as the shooter to responding officers. He was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and later died; an autopsy ruled the death a homicide.

Daniels was located hours later in Sandy Point, arrested without incident, and a handgun believed to be the murder weapon was recovered nearby. He was booked on multiple felony counts, including first-degree murder, and pleaded not guilty at his initial appearance on May 11, 2026. Does anyone have information about the events at the Ferndale Terrace residence that morning?