Henry Howard King, known to many as Hank, was 48 when he was found dead in Bellingham, Washington, on March 12, 2023. His body was discovered around 4 a.m. on the boardwalk between Taylor Dock and Boulevard Park. The Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide after he was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Reports also say he had a stab wound to his back.

Hank was a familiar presence in Boulevard Park and had been unhoused. He often sold sports cards and was remembered by neighbors as warm, friendly and protective of others. The community’s shock at his violent death was widely reported.

A 22-year-old man from Marysville was arrested in December 2023 and charged with premeditated first-degree murder; court records say the suspect confessed after arrest and claimed self-defense. Prosecutors later said they would face challenges proving premeditation.

If anyone knew Hank, his routines in Boulevard Park, or observed anything on the boardwalk the morning of March 12, 2023, please share what you remember.