Amanda Michaels, 42, was shot multiple times and killed on September 15, 2024, in the 1900 block of 200th Street NE in Arlington, Washington. A mother and owner of Northwest Barricade and Signs, which she had taken over after her husband’s death in 2021, she had been described by friends and family as a devoted parent with a love of nature.

The person accused of the killing was her 19-year-old son, Payton Michaels. In late August Payton had reportedly pointed a gun at Amanda and threatened to kill her, resulting in charges of felony harassment and second-degree assault and a temporary protection order. A judge ordered his release from jail on September 6, and Amanda missed a subsequent hearing for a permanent restraining order, which was denied just days before the shooting.

After the shooting Payton fled and was pursued; deputies used a PIT maneuver on Highway 9 that caused him to be ejected from the vehicle, and he died at the scene about 15 minutes after Amanda was shot. The community was left grieving a mother taken in a violent domestic incident.

If anyone knew Amanda, her family, or has information about the events leading up to September 15, please come forward.