A Costco employee has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly ramming his coworker's motorcycle, causing a fatal crash. Tyler Sorensen, 22, is accused of intentionally striking the motorcycle of 20-year-old Jonathan Langdon on July 31, shortly after seeing Langdon hug a female coworker, Samantha Peterson.
According to court documents, Sorensen followed Langdon out of the Costco store in Issaquah, Washington, in his gray sedan. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Sorensen's vehicle trailing Langdon's motorcycle before accelerating and ramming into it. The impact launched Langdon into a street sign, resulting in immediate death.
Sorensen allegedly fled the scene and drove home, stopping once to check his vehicle. He was later stopped by a Washington State Patrol trooper for speeding, who was unaware of the fatal collision. Approximately one hour after the incident, King County prosecutors claim Sorensen returned to the crash site after being brought back by his father.
He admitted to police that his "blood was boiling" after seeing Langdon hug Peterson. Sorensen reportedly told investigators he "meant to do it" but then stated he only intended to "spook him." Peterson has denied any romantic involvement with Sorensen, stating she had told him he was "crossing boundaries."
Court documents described the severe impact of the crash, noting Langdon's body wrapped around the signpost. First responders found Langdon face down, with his helmet visor separated. Marks on his lower back appeared to match the metal signpost.
Sorensen was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and is being held in King County Jail on $2 million bail. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for August 27.