The culmination of a five-year investigation and legal process has arrived as the final defendant involved in the Houghton Beach Park murder case receives a prison sentence. Joshua Hawthorne, the last of three suspects, was sentenced to 196 months for his role in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Cyrus Mason in September 2020, as detailed in a Kirkland Police Department report.
The tragic incident, which took a young man's life, unfurled at the tranquil Houghton Beach Park, before devolving into chaos with the echo of gunfire. Responding to the pandemonium were Kirkland Police officers, only to find Mason critically wounded. Despite efforts to save him, Mason succumbed to his injuries. The investigation that followed, comprised, of over 15 search warrants along with an in-depth dive into social media led to the apprehension of Hawthorne alongside his associates Chrisean Kaufman and Calvin Vao – all teenagers at the time of the crime.
Gleaned from surveillance footage and relentless analysis, it was discovered that the confrontation at the park was prearranged through social media for a gun sale, where an AR-style rifle was to be exchanged for cash and another firearm. The trio of suspects, however, harbored intentions not to barter but to burglarize, resulting in the brutal loss of Cyrus Mason's life.
Hawthorne, who had opted for trial, was convicted of first-degree murder with a weapons enhancement last November, and received his sentencing early this year. His accomplices had previously entered plea agreements; Kaufman, the driver of the getaway vehicle, was given 123 months while Vao, who agreed to a second-degree murder plea, was handed a 172-month sentence. King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, in a statement released by the Kirkland Police Department, expressed her gratitude towards those who labored over the years to "bring the three individuals responsible for this murder to justice." Her appreciation also extended to the local police for their excellent investigative work and continuing partnership.
Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris remarked on the impact of the case on the local community, commending the dedicated officers and detectives. "This case deeply affected our community, and I am proud of our officers and detectives who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and ensure justice was served," Harris said. With the conclusion of this case, the hope is that a semblance of comfort has been provided to Mason's family. The Kirkland Police Department has also expressed thanks to everyone involved, from officers and detectives to witnesses and inter-agency collaborators, for their shared effort in securing this outcome.
