A Washington state jury has convicted a Vancouver man who allegedly pursued and shot an acquaintance to death with a bow and arrow during an early morning altercation. Richard "Cole" Vanderhoek, 49, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of 42-year-old David Collins, according to court records.
Background
The incident occurred in the 3200 block of NE Petticoat Lane in Vancouver, Washington. According to a probable cause arrest affidavit obtained by The Oregonian, Vanderhoek called 911 around 6:45 a.m. on April 2, 2024, reporting that he had been assaulted. When deputies arrived, they discovered Collins dead on the ground with an arrow lodged in his chest.
Vanderhoek initially told deputies that he had "told him to stop assaulting me," referring to Collins. Officers noted that Vanderhoek had several scrapes on his face and elbow and repeatedly asked the deputies to photograph his injuries. A neighbor reported hearing an ongoing argument between the two men that escalated into a physical confrontation. The witness stated that Collins attempted to walk away, but Vanderhoek "aggressively" drove his vehicle toward him. The neighbor then heard a "thump" and saw Collins lying on the ground with the arrow in his chest.
The Investigation
Prosecutors argued that Vanderhoek's actions constituted a deliberate pursuit rather than a defensive reaction. During a first appearance, prosecuting attorney Luka Vitasovic stated that the defendant "essentially hunted down this victim, driving aggressively, revving his engine, after the victim had dissipated," according to local ABC affiliate KATU.
Vanderhoek claimed self-defense, telling deputies, "I didn't know what to do." However, prosecutors contended that the use of a bow and arrow while a fence separated the two men negated any claims of self-defense. The Clark County Sheriff's Office arrested Vanderhoek on the day of the incident, and he has been held at the Clark County Jail since then.
Key Takeaways
- Richard "Cole" Vanderhoek, 49, was convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting of David Collins, 42.
- The victim was found dead with an arrow in his chest outside a home in the 3200 block of NE Petticoat Lane in Vancouver, Wash.
- A neighbor testified to hearing a "thump" and witnessing Vanderhoek aggressively driving toward Collins after the victim tried to leave.
- Prosecutors argued that the distance between the men, separated by a fence, undermined the self-defense claim.
- Vanderhoek was arrested on April 2, 2024, and has been held at the Clark County Jail pending sentencing.
- Vanderhoek faces sentencing for second-degree murder, with the court to determine the final penalty following the jury's verdict.
What's Next
Vanderhoek is scheduled for sentencing in the coming months. Under Washington state law, second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a standard range determined by the defendant's criminal history and the specifics of the crime. The defense may file motions for a new trial or appeal prior to the sentencing hearing.