Police lights (File photo)

Man, 57, charged with murder in Federal Way rock-throwing incident

A man, 33, died four days after he was struck in the head with a rock during an argument

A 57-year-old man has been charged with murder after allegedly striking another man in the head with a rock, killing him last month.

Judi Kilma was charged with second-degree murder on Oct. 5 after he was arrested days earlier. At first appearance, King County prosecutors requested $2 million bail based on the likelihood that the defendant would commit another violent offense, and a judge set bail at $250,000.

“While the State is not aware of any criminal history, the defendant’s actions, captured entirely on surveillance video, demonstrate that he is a risk to community safety when he is angry,” according to charging documents.

On Sept. 19, an unconscious 33-year-old man — identified as Joseph Lee Simmons — was dropped off at a Chevron gas station along Military Road South in Kent around 8 p.m., according to court documents.

Kent Police responded, but learned the assault occurred in a Safeway grocery store parking lot along Military Road South within Federal Way city limits, and Federal Way Police took over the investigation.

Police discovered that on the evening of Sept. 19, Simmons was reportedly seen arguing with Kilma. A witness said Simmons was telling Kilma to get away from him and gesturing with a large knife, according to court documents. The witness told police that Simmons punctured Kilma’s front bicycle tire with the same knife, which “enraged” Kilma, documents state.

Video surveillance which captured the incident shows Kilma walked away and returned moments later, allegedly retrieved a fist-sized rock from his jacket pocket, and threw it directly at Simmons, striking him on the left side of the head, as Simmons was sitting on a curb. Kilma allegedly attempted to throw a second rock but was restrained by bystanders.

The witness then drove Simmons away from the scene to the gas station in Kent where he retrieved ice for Simmons and stayed with him until first responders arrived.

Simmons was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and underwent surgery for a traumatic brain injury. He never regained consciousness and later died at Harborview on Sept. 23 as a result of his injuries.

Documents state that when police interviewed Kilma days later after his arrested, he allegedly admitted he threw the rock at Simmons because he was angry, but did not intend to kill him.

Police say both men involved are homeless. This fatality is the eighth homicide of the year in Federal Way.

Kilma’s arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 19 at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Northwest

Sen. Javier Valdez, D-46
Bill providing support for victims of hate crimes signed into law

Hotline to be created to report hate crimes and bias incidents; bill sponsored by state Sen. Valdez

t
Man, 66, dies in Renton crash

Police say it appears the man had a medical episode; officers identify stolen vehicle backed up in traffic

Tacos from the Mariners Food Preview Event. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Mariners unveil new ballpark eats for 2024 season

A couple of our reporters headed to T-Mobile Park to see if the Mariners’ food budget was as tight as their player free agency budget.

t
Police arrest suspect in shooting of two men in Federal Way

On March 20, officers arrested a 52-year-old Federal Way man.

Courtesy of Sound Transit
Stride Bus Rapid Transit Line on I-405 corridor.
Future Renton, Tukwila transit centers get millions in federal funding

The rapid bus transit centers are intended to help reduce congestion along the I-405 corridor.

t
Auburn Food Bank officially opens new home

$800,000 anonymous gift gives the food bank about five times as much space.

Ideal Option treatment center and lab building. (Photo courtesy of Ideal Option)
New addiction treatment center opens in Renton

Overdose deaths see record numbers in King County.

t
One dead, one injured in Federal Way shootings

Federal Way Police say they have found a connection between the two incidents.

File Photo
KC Sheriff’s Office sues over Burien encampment ban

Office of Law Enforcement Oversight director calls Burien’s ordinance “unconstitutional.”

t
Federal Way woman killed in Tukwila crash

Along State Route 599 on Monday, March 11

The state Capitol Building in Olympia. FILE PHOTO
Legislature OKs initiatives on police pursuits, income tax, parental rights

Few restrictions on police pursuits; income tax prohibited; parental rights clarified

t
Unknown vandals hit Renton apartment complex

15 vehicles damaged in Feb. 28 incident at Bella Vista apartments