Phinney Ridge woman killed by boyfriend on Christmas Eve, suspect arrested

by | Dec 28, 2011

A Phinney Ridge woman was assaulted by her boyfriend on Christmas Eve and later died of head injuries, according to Seattle Police. Prudence Hockley was a teacher at Woodinville High School.
From the SPD Blotter:

On December 24th at approximately 10:56 p.m. the 55-year-old female victim stepped outside her residence in the 300 block of NW 74th Street to talk to the 48-year-old male suspect, who she has been dating.  Witnesses heard voices then a loud thump.  The victim’s 13-year old daughter went outside and found her mother on the ground at the side of the house, unconscious.  The suspect was seen walking away from the victim.  He got in his car and left the scene.
Officers and SFD medics responded to the 9-1-1 call which was made shortly thereafter. Medics transported the victim to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of her life-threatening head injury.
On December 25th Homicide detectives were notified by medical staff that the victim had been pronounced dead.
Homicide detectives made an arrest of the suspect on December 28th. He is being interviewed by detectives and will later be booked into the King County jail. This remains an active and on-going investigation.

“Ms. Hockley was one of my teachers this year,” writes Renne in comments below. “I can’t believe she’s gone, I know that everyone at the school will be greatly affected by this and we will all greatly miss her. Anyone who had met Prudence would know that she was easily the kindest, most fun and full of life person you could meet.”
“It is a sad day for our Woodinville High School community,” said Woodinville High School principal Kurt Criscione. “Ms. Hockley was an extraordinary teacher with a dynamic personality and teaching style. We will miss her greatly. Our thoughts are with Prudence’s family at this difficult time.” A Facebook page has been set up in her memory here.
Update: Thanks to Steve for pointing out that Publicola this afternoon published a lengthy story identifying the suspect as a parolee, detailing his lengthy criminal record and his role in a dispute between Department of Corrections officials in Washington and Georgia.
Update 11 p.m.: You can see KING 5’s story here, KOMO 4’s story here, KIRO 7’s story here, and Q13’s story here.
(Photo from Woodinville High School)

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