Costco worker charged with murder in jealous-rage killing of coworker

A Costco employee outside Seattle has been charged with second-degree murder after prosecutors say he deliberately rammed his car into a coworker’s motorcycle in a fit of jealousy over a hug, killing him.

Tyler Sorensen, 22, of Renton, Washington, is accused of intentionally crashing into 20-year-old Jonathon Langdon’s motorcycle on July 31 in Issaquah, according to Fox News, which first reported the case. Mr. Langdon died at the scene after being thrown into a metal signpost.

Court documents show Mr. Sorensen followed Mr. Langdon out of the Costco parking lot where the two worked and swerved into his lane before striking the motorcycle, according to KOMO News, the ABC affiliate in Seattle. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators reportedly shows Mr. Sorensen’s sedan swerving lanes before hitting the side of the bike, sending Mr. Langdon into the post.

Mr. Sorensen fled the scene but returned roughly an hour later with a family member to speak with investigators, KOMO reported. An affidavit obtained by PEOPLE and reprinted by AOL states that Mr. Sorensen “continued on his way without hesitation, only stopping to make sure his vehicle was okay to drive home.”

Investigators say Mr. Sorensen became enraged after watching Mr. Langdon hug a female coworker he claimed was his ex-girlfriend, then texted friends that his “blood is boiling.” The woman told police she and Mr. Sorensen had never dated and that she had previously warned him he was “crossing boundaries.”

Mr. Sorensen later told law enforcement his actions were “stupid” and that he only meant to “spook” Mr. Langdon, denying any intent to strike him with the vehicle, per the affidavit.

Issaquah Police Chief Stephen Mylett said in a statement that “our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim as they process this tragic loss of life.”

Mr. Sorensen has pleaded not guilty and remains held on $2 million bail at the King County Jail.

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