Photo Courtesy of Pierce County Sheriff.
On the morning of Saturday, October 22, Aaron Westby was loading suitcases into a truck in the alley near South 19th and Yakima Street. Aaron was a known car thief. The bright red Ford truck had been stolen Friday with a gun inside it. Two uniformed Pierce County officers approached him. He was known well enough from his previous encounters with police that these two knew him by sight.
Aaron continued to load the suitcases as they approached. He knew he had a warrant out for his arrest. He also knew that this would be his third strike and he’d likely be facing life in prison if they arrested him. So he told them that they would not be arresting him. When they got to him, there was a bit of a struggle. Eventually he got free and got into the truck. One of the officers broke the window. They used a taser on him, but it didn’t seem to stop him. According to the officers, he reached into the glove box and told them he had a gun. One of the officers shot once, killing Aaron Westby.
This, it would turn out, would be the second of four police involved shootings in Western Washington this weekend. The first shooting happened in Grey’s Harbor County when an inmate receiving medical treatment attempted to escape, taking a hostage with the butter knife. Less than 24 hours after Aaron Westby’s death, officers in Lakewood shot an armed man at a party. Then on Sunday, in Seattle’s Belltown, a homicide suspect was shot on Cedar Street.
Aaron Westby was facing life in prison as a result of an extensive criminal record. He had a history of running from the police. The stolen truck he was using was reported to have a gun in it. While, it will be months before any investigation into this will be concluded, it’s safe to say that any charges against the officers are unlikely.
Since 2009, when six officers local officers were killed in the space of a few months, four of them in an ambush in Lakewood at a coffee shop, local police have been much more willing to use lethal force. This isn’t news to anyone around here. From the information on hand about Aaron Westby’s death, it would appear he preferred to run and risk death rather than face life in prison. This was an unfortunate loss of life, but one that could have been easily prevented by Westby simply complying with the officers.
I’ve talked with a lot of cops. Some of them are personal friends. Not one of them wakes up wanting to shoot someone. That said, most of them are more than willing to if it means saving lives or saving their own life. For some the action haunts them forever. For others, it’s just part of the job.
A search of the truck found that there was no gun inside. Aaron Westby’s last threat was a hallow one. Did he say it knowing the officers would shoot? The more cynical might even ask if he said it at all? Aaron Westby made it clear he wasn’t going back to prison and he was right.
If you knew Aaron, please feel free to comment below with memories of him. All the media is going to report is that he was a car thief. If you have more to say than will fit in a comment, feel free to email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com
tacomastories.com 
Aaron Westby….Good ole Aaron called him Adoggie thats the way i had his number saved in my phone….U people can try n slander his name but u cant change the facts we all that know our Aaron know our Aaron..He was amaztng would do any thing for anybody..So one day when you faced with life or death..u to will know what it was like in his shoes….did they have to kill him? No not at all
Thanks for your comment. One of the purposes of this site is to show these people as actual people and not just another name in the paper. I agree that they didn’t have to shoot him. I also understand why they did so. Thanks again for sharing.
-Jack
Reminds me of the Tony McDougald story. Tone of the write up is certainly different though.
There are distinct differences between the death of Tony McDougald and the death of Aaron Westby. Westby was killed by police officers. McDougald was killed by a homeowner. McDouglad didn’t fight with the homeowner. He ran. Westby struggled with the officers. Both had criminal records. Both have a vocal group of friends and relatives that knew and loved him. I happened to have gone to school with Tony and so I was much more capable of writing what sort of person he was. Whereas with Aaron Westby, I’ve gotta go off of the facts that were reported and hope that those like R Taylor, take the time to share with us what sort of person he really was.
I once had the pleasure of having Aaron accompany my family and I on a weeks vacation to the Oregon dunes. I found him very nice, personable and very likable. He had just gotten out of prison and you could see just how much he was enjoying being with us. There were babies, little kids, their parents and us grand-parents. I venture to say that was one of the only times he was made to feel he was just like everyone else. I know the life he has led but I guess my purpose of writing this is because when you lump people into the “scumbag” category they lose the human quality. I know Aaron’s family personally and know they will miss him.
Who knows what Aaron thought at that time and to be honest who really knows what Aaron said to them. I found this whole thing interesting that the story kept changing just a little bit here and there to justify killing him. I will just hope wherever he is now he has found some peace and acceptance.
Thank you Linda , I am one of Aaron’s cousins and he will be missed !
Thanks for posting, Linda. I try to post about what happened, but it’s people like you and the others that fill out who the person was. Thanks again.
ODD…yes Very that was Aaron word, N Tony, Ninja Tony I to new him very Well…Two Men Never For gotton… Far behind…..Mine n tonys song….Aaron n mine….Dont take the girl
“Westby was killed by police officers. McDougald was killed by a homeowner. ”
This actually doesn’t mean much. Police have a lot more scrutiny and obligations during a shooting than a homeowner defending themselves on their own property. Look up the history of castle doctrine and shooting inquests, for example. Note that Washington has some of the most lenient Castle type statutes and precedents on the books (i.e. no duty to retreat, all property is defensible not just home, etc).
“McDouglad didn’t fight with the homeowner. He ran. ”
According to who? Certainly not the homeowner who stated he was ‘charged’ by McDougald.
“I happened to have gone to school with Tony and so I was much more capable of writing what sort of person he was. ”
Which was fine, but when you delved into ‘the person I knew 25 years ago was not violent and the homeowner shouldn’t have blah blah’ is where you erred. It is almost eerie how this has happened and now you get to see this issue from the outlook of outside people looking at the McDougald shooting. Hopefully it broadens your perspective a bit. Be assured of one thing, Aaron had friends and family also, and he was not a totally bad guy either.
I see what you’re saying. However, I didn’t say Aaron was a ‘totally bad guy’. I wrote what happened according to media reports and the responding officers and what background I had on Aaron. I always have and always will welcome friends and family of any homicide victim to come forward and talk about the person they knew. I don’t think I need to ‘broaden my perspective’. I think that the fact that I’m writing about it at all shows that I have a broader perspective than most.
That said, I’m sorry, but two police officers trying to make an arrest and a homeowner confronting an intruder are two entirely different situations. The only thing comparable is the fact that no one will ever be charged in either murder and both men had a long criminal history.
I hope that many more of Aaron’s friends and family speak up for him and the sort of person he was. Just as Tony’s friends and family did. The whole purpose of this site is to give a place for the stories of these people of Tacoma who are no longer with us do to the actions of others.
I am Aarons sister-in-law, and truthfully, he’s one of the nicest guys I have met.
While in prision, he would write to me and my family. He so desperatly wanted to live a “normal” life. He wanted to be part of the family, and turn his life around.
On Fathers day this year, he phoned his dad and wished him a happy Father’s Day. He then told him, I’m almost 40, and just finally figuring out my life…sadly, he will never have that chance.
I’m not at all saying Aaron wasn’t criminal, but if you met him and didn’t know he was a criminal, you would have never guessed it. Like an earlier post, he’d give you the shirt of his back, he was truly that way.
Aaron’s past seemed to be troubled, and truthfully, I believe he is responsible for the choices he made, but at the end of the day, he’s someone’s child. He was once little, growing up wanting to be something, and I’m betting it wasn’t a full time criminal. Sometimes, it just ends up that way.
I am very sad for Aaron’s loss. I don’t believe he had to die, they hold stand offs with swat teams for hours, and what I have heard, the officer who fired the fatal shot was an officer who had prior run ins with Aaron…some of us feel it may be a little personal…the facts keep changing, a lot!!!
Nevertheless, criminal or not, our family lost a member. We love you Aaron, and wished and hoped for a better life for you, I sure hoped myself! Rest in peace Aaron.
Thanks for your post, Jennifer. It’s comments like this that make me continue to write about the victims of killings in Tacoma. Every death is significant. Every victim was alive and had a life and had people who cared for them.
I appreciate you asking for the human side of the story. People like you make this world a better place!
I was lucky that he dated a friend of mine and I got to meet him , he was a great guy with a quick smile and a huge heart, he was loyal to his friends and family, I havent seen him in years but that does not lessen the fact that my heart dropped when I heard the news, I wish there was more time to hang with him again, Jack your story was what I needed to know what happened that day, Thanks bro, keep this up , and thanks for giving me a voice
Thanks for posting a comment, T-Joe. Anne told me that she saw on Facebook that you knew Aaron. I was going to ask if you wanted to comment, but you beat me to it. 🙂
R.I.P. AARON WESTBY NOT SURE BOUT THE ACTUAL FACTS OF THIS STORY,WE ALL KNOW THERES 3 SIDES TO IT?YOURS,MINE&THE TRUTH!!MY NEPHEW TONY”MUMBLES”OURADA WAS KILLED BY THE F-ING PIGS N WHY SO UPSET?REGAURDLESS OF THE WHO,WHAT N WHERE WHEN OR WHY’S THEY{PIGS} SHOULD HAVE NEVER LET THE MAN WHOM OF WHICH WAS”SUCH A THREAT TO SOCIETY”BACK BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A CAR ESPECAILLY AFTER HAVING AN “ALL DAY STAKE-OUT” ON HIM!!HE NEVER SHOULD HAVE MADE IT BACK INTO A VEHICLE;THEY WANTED A SURE-FIRE REASON TO KILL”ANOTHER CRIMINAL”THAT WAS ACTUALLY A DAD, SON,BROTHER,COUSIN,FRIEND ETC..AND THATS THE REAL REASON THEY LET IT GO THAT FAR!”JUSTIFIABLE?” ABSOLUTELY FUQIN NOT!PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL FRIENDS N FAM.remember karma is real & does happen if truethfully JUSTIFIABLE! SMELLEN ELLEN
does anyone know of funerAL arrangements
From what i have heard there isnt going to be one .
. Aaron Westby had the cutest dimples and quickest mind. He was one that everyone one saw the potential. Did he reach it …no, was it always within reach…Sometimes. A lost soul who really couldn’t find his way back eventually. He called me every day in July said he was checking in and that he wanted to be ok. He had done enough, hurt others and he wanted to give back. He wanted to enroll in school and become a drug and alcohol counselor because he knew how scary the path was. He knew the struggle. He wanted to reach out to others, he didn’t want it to be about him,is what he told me. He went so far as to fill out his fafsa. Old habits are hard to break and his faith in himself was already pretty shattered. I didn’t hear from him since early Aug..then thurs I received a call telling me that Aaron was worth $5000 if I turned him in…Sat I read he was Dead!!!
Who was Aaron…he was a man that used to wake me up in his sleep laughing…who does that? No nightmares laughter! He would ask me to go with him to volunteer down at the mission, I had never done this before. He did show others how to give back.
I loved this man who was my friend all growing up. My daughter loved this man, his mother is my 2nd mother. We are all broken. He really was a kind and compassionate soul. The story of Aaron on paper is hard to even comprehend its the Aaron we all know. He sounds like an aggressive assaulting monster. This was NOT him. “Facts” are an interesting thing sometimes,
Noone should have to outlive thier children. Not mother or father doesn’t feel helpless watching their child struggle with addiction. I hope my beautiful song writing friend has found peace. I hope you are watching all of us and know how much you were loved, we never gave up hope.
If you got a call saying he was worth $5000 it only means that one of his friends that knew where he was living is now $5000 richer.
I hate the fact that Aaron left this world as a criminal he was such an amazing happy person that touched lives. Aaron was like a father to me. he was the only fatherly figure in my life to make a promise and actually keep it. through all the troubles he got him self into he was there clean and sober at my high school graduation. about a month ago the true happy Aaron was back in contact with me. seeing his name plastered in heartless stories hurts. that’s not the man he was. to much of the storys don’t seem to add up. so many unanswerd questions…. Aaron your little onion will ALWAYS love you for the man I know you to be
Little onion! You know he loved u always.
ARRON WAS TO BE MY BROTHER IN LAW MY SISTER AND ARRON WAS HAPPY THEY WERE IN LOVE AND NOT JUST AN EVERY DAY KIND OF THING THEY WERE TRULY IN LOVE THE ONCE IN A LIFE TIME THING AND HE WAS TO BE A DADDY SO WHY THE HELL WOULD HE TELL [POLICE HE HAD A GUN IT IS ALL A LIE HE WAS ON THE STRIAGHT AND DOING WHAT WAS RIGHT FOR HIM HIS WIFE AND THATS THAT THE LIES PEOPLE ARE SPREADING ARE JUST THAT I SHOULD KNOW THEY GUNED HIM DOWN RIGHT BEHIND MY FREAKING HOUSE HE ISNT AND WASNT NO WHERE NEAR WHAT THEVE MADE HIM OUT TO BE
I met Aaron just over 1 year ago, but can tell you this. He was just enjoying life as reckless and care free as any free spirit would. Aaron would always make everyone smile and first to ask if he could help do anything for you. I just like Aaron am a free spirit, I to have a problem with authority. When left alone we would rather drift than pursue revenge against someone who did us wrong. Aaron’s MURDER has me more distraught than my own mothers passing who just died 7/21/2011. I believe I have both internal and eternal bonds with Aaron as we both are nothing more than big kids who refuse to grow up. I love you Aaron and will miss you. your were my kind of people, more family to me than my own blood. Pierce county sheriffs murdered my friend because they were cowards and Ed Troyer is wrong for the statement he made to the press “when someone says they have a gun we dont wait to find out”. What is next? killing people and claiming they said they have a gun. Oh wait, sorry you murderers are already doing that. And finally what ever happened to non lethal force and 38 police special loads that only contained one forth of the powder that regular shells used? With the killing of Aaron it makes me afraid to live in Pierce county. I am scared that if they could justify killing Aaron who is next?
gary, I am Jennifer, Aarons Sister in Law, could you reach out to me? If so, I will give you an email then my phone number through that.
Thanks!
I am aarons cousin…Everyone is making Aaron out to be a bad person and I know in my heart that he might have had problems but he is not a bad person, he too would write to me and tell me he was going to start school when he got out of prison, I feel that I was one of the only people that wanted to have anything to do with him besides jenifer and Keith it was like we were the only ones he could reach out to…I haven’t talked to him for at least a year and a half now, all of a sudden he’s dead! My mother thought I should know since I was in contact with him, my grandpa called my dad to tell me about the situation… I want Aaron to know that we will find the true facts but I know we can’t bring you back i so wish we could! so please watch over us and make sure we are all okay we love you and will miss you always!
Typing in all caps does not get your point across more effectively. In fact it may hurt as it’s a pain to read so some people may just skip right over your post.
First of all I’d just like to say my sincere condolenses go out to the family of Aaron his cousin Sallie has been one of my best friends since we were 14 and Sallie I’m sorry i didnt put more effort into finding him for you back in Feb. like you asked me I’am truly sorry. The sad thing is we will probably never know what really happened that morning and ya Aaron may have had a criminal background and ya he might of been facing his third strike but maybe not were his outstanding warrants for a strikable offense or would it have been his third strike if he would have been caught with a gun in the truck? Thats the question people should be asking because that makes a huge differance in how differently the whole situation could have went not to mention maybe a little more effort put into the investigation since of course we only have the story of the police in which weren’t to pierce county officers just charged tried and found guilty of perjury!!!! I know he will be greatly missed a part of him will be remembered by us all. I know everytime i look at the arms of my youngest sons dad i will remember him he did the sleeves on him in prison.
To all the Westbys you are in my prayers, Layla
Thank you layla! We love you too! That means alot to our family right now in this difficult time!
Apparently Aaron stole my car a couple of weeks ago in Seattle with his girlfriend near as I can figure and I have been living in fear since – looking for a new safer place to live – they tried to break in while I was at my house. I am sorry he lost his life in this stupid manner and I ask you pray for him to get a better life next time and learn from an early age not to steal. No drugs too. Not this was not a great man, but he could have been a good man. He just didnt do the right things. Pray for him.
How can you say he “apparently” stole your car? Do you know for sure it was him???
Thank you your right bad choices. He was a good man and we r all praying he found peace
I want to thank everyone for writing about Aaron! I went to the crime scene this morning and started a memorial, I would like to thank the person who left the white R.I.P. Ribbon… I added to it with flowers I am going to add more and just wanted to let everyone know that there is a memorial set up for him so if you could please bring by flowers, stuffed animals, pictures (I only have one) candles, signs, balloons etc… We want to welcome anyone who knew Aaron or our family to bring whatever you want to remember him by… Gone but NEVER forgotten
I am so very happy to see that this blog for Aaron is still being written on. Yes, there are obviously some negative responses but the ones that are standing out to me are all the positive comments about Aaron. Yes, Aaron had his share of run-ins with the police. But honestly, none of these run-ins warranted his death. I know in my heart that he wanted a better life for himself. I also believe he was trying very hard to get his life back in order. It sickens me to think he died the way he did. I pray to God he didn’t suffer. We all have heard only one side of the story; that being from the sheriff and police. As we all know, there are TWO sides to every story. Unfortunately, Aaron isn’t here to tell his side. It is up to all of us to keep this going and find out what really happened that day. I know in my heart it didn’t go down the way it was portrayed in the news. In speaking to people that were actually there, the story we’ve all read in the papers and online just does not add up. I want to be a voice for Aaron. If his death was justified, then so be it. If not, then I want the people responsible for his demise to own up to it. As of this writing there are no specific plans for a memorial service nor has an obituary been written. His mother is just too broken right now. If there is, I will post it so you all can come. Thanks for all the positives on Aaron. It honestly help us, his family. And thank you for the memorial at “the sight”. As hard as it is to go there, knowing there are people/family/friends who really care softens the hurt just a little.
Lynette, Could you reach out to me, too? I’m Keith’s wife, he’s Aarons brother!
Thanks
I was one of Aarons best friends, one of his real friends. I’ve know and love him for many years. Whoever took the $5000 that was being offered for him and happen to read this, i hope you had a good time spending it, probably at the casino, Was it worth the pain his mother, grandmother, brother, sister, family and friends get to deal with for the rest of their lives??
I’ve got several letters from Aaron and all he says in all of them how he wants so bad to go to school and build bikes and how excited he was to do that, but unfortunately, he was treated like trash by society because of some poor choices he made in his past, Maybe if people who went to prison and did their time for their mistake were able to get out start over without society making it so impossible to get a job or a place to live and constantly harrassing them, they wouldn’t have to turn to crime again, but that’s not the case. Aaron was funny, and had a huge heart, he has a great family who are forced to read all these nasty comments about him from people who didn’t even know him. It makes me sick, Aaron will be missed by many, he didn’t deserve to go that way, and his family and friends sure don’t deserve any of the pain we are all dealing with now. If you didn’t know aaron don’t judge him. HE WAS A LOYAL, SOLID, LOVING PERSON. He had huge heart and would do anything for anyone, he had an ugly addiction that got the best of him sometimes but never did he deserve to get murdered over it. I LOVE YOU AARON FOREVER. I’ll never forget the friend you were to me when i needed one most. To everyone who wants to post crap about him you can all f#%@ off….. Before saying something hurtful and rude about him, remember he has a grieving mother and grandmother and several friends and family who do not at all deserve to read crap about him especially when you don’t even know him besides what the media lies about.
I wasn’t going to respond to BROKENHEARTED1978’s comment but I can’t even help myself. For onething, Aaron didn’t have a wife ever….. I was one of his few BEST FRIENDS and I NEVER heard of him about to be a father. His mom has never met this “WIFE” of his which is kind of strange since she was the “LOVE OF HIS LIFE” anybody who was actually his real friends all know most of his family and how much they are suffering over this so try to be careful of what rumors are starting because his mother especially don’t need to hear a bunch of lies. his family and what they are going through right now should be MOST IMPORTANT.
R.I.P. Aaron
I just want to say that I am very sorry that this had to happen to such an awesome person. I have known Aaron for lots of years and he has always made me smile. I agree with Layla we will never know what really happened that morning because the cops will never tell the truth and we all know that. The family of Aaron will definately be in my prayers. R.I.P Aaron I love you.
I know it might take some time to find the real truth but I know in my heart that the stories don’t add up…I will be bringing more items to the memorial site and like I said before anything and anyone is welcome so please pay your respects to him I love you Aaron and will miss you always
Lynette, thank you for wanting to be the voice. You have spoken to people who were there? I have so many unanswered question that I know is unfair to ask loni. U know I loved Aaron dearly, will u consider touching base with me?
i just want every one to know that yes there has been a memorial at “the sight”. started there isnt much there but it is going to very large i want to thank those who have come by and to who put te candel and cross tank you his fiance would be proud to see that people isnt eting i go and are showing that his life meant somthing to people but she isnt even able to be home the pain is to much for her considering hewas shot down and mudered out side our back door Please every one show your love to arron by puting flowers trekets signs any thing thing and every thingthere are no rules except 1 and that is NO ONE can place any thing negitive period by the time this is is done it will be big enough that it will be all over the paper and new so please come together come one come all and ifu dont know where then it is the ally off yakima and 19th the concert slab out there is where its all went down and where it gonnabe chaied off also ,,,arron would be so happy to see all of oustoping by we to were his family ad we to loved him and we miss him so every much and if any one wants the truth to that awful morning stop by we will gladly give it we were here and awake when they guned him down . thank you all .WEwill not lt this go with out the truth being told and un noticed …thank you and my heart goes out to you all behind my house is the site ARRON IS LOOKING DOWN ON US ALL AND IS HERE IN MEMORY DONT LET IT SLIP AWAY ….
Keith and I will be stopping by to add to the memorial! We’d love to hear more of what happened, as Keith is Aarons brother.
I’d like more info, too, for the investigation.
Brandy…and Brokenhearted:
Yeah, I haven’t told my sis anything I’ve “learned”. She’s just too fragile right now. I’d love to talk to you, Brandy. Ask Lon for my number. As for Brokenhearted1979, keep up the good work! And THANK YOU for inviting people to come to your home to hear from all of you who were there that awful morning! I placed a cross and candle there last night for Aaron. Thank you to all who are participating. That was a very nice gesture on Shantel’s part….getting it started and all. It’s not an easy place to visit for obvious reasons but I am honored that people care enough about Aaron to do this.
Brandy…… just wanted to say to you that what you wrote was so far the best descrption of Aaron, im pretty sure its you that i have a stack of pictures of Aaron and you somewhere packed away, i found one picture of the two of you.if you want it get ahold of his mom, she has my number. call me antime…
That is such an amazing picture of Aaron. That shows who he was. Is that your baby? Christina, thank you. I would love that. I will call
Could someone who was there PLEASE tell me what the HELL happened?
I wouldn’t listen to the people who were there… He was hanging out with a croud of people who were not the best croud to hang out with him. i understand everyone wants to know what really happened but im sure the truth of what really happened will never be known, only God and Aaron know and im sure he’s finally at peace….
Jennifer, Yes! I would love to talk to you, too! I remember when Keith was born….wow! How sad we would have to come to get to know one another after such a horrific tragedy. I have learned so much just by reading on all of the “Aaron” blogs out there. Lonnie doesn’t look at computers nor has she been reading any of the newspaper articles so I’m keeping all of what I learn and read to myself for the time being. (I do share positive posts with her!) Until I find out definite answers I’ll keep her in the dark on certain issues if you know what I mean. I honestly think that she’d go over the edge with anymore information at this time. She’s barely coping with his loss. She acts tough but she’s a mess. I hope to have help in finding out exactly what happened down there on the 22nd. I’m working on it as best I can. I would be happy to meet with you and Keith or whomever you like. Are you in the book? I know my sis has heard from you recently. Shall I ask her how to contact you?
I am following this case closely. If you want to find out what happened, you need to MAKE NOISE! Singlely or collectively, you need to make a public disclosure request for all records and information from LESA RECORDS (9th and Tacoma Ave. across street from county city building). You need to demand a Coroner’s Inquest concerning this shooting or such other public review as is available. An internal police review of this shooting simply is not acceptable. You need to contact the News Tribune and Seattle papers as well if you have information about what happened, so the reporters can do their job of digging for facts.
Simply posting suspicions and complaints will get nowhere.
I am following this case closely, too! I have an investigator I’m speaking with, but people are saying they were “there” and saw “what happened” but aren’t coming forward with any information.
If people “where there” and “saw what happened” they sure as hell aren’t reaching out to me, and I’ve asked.
So, 1 with advice,I can’t get ANY info until the prosecutor makes their decision, then I can have FULL disclosure of what happened…I am just irritated with people claiming to know what happened, but aren’t saying a word to anyone who could take the info and proceed with it!
aaron was many things to different people but to me he was my brother i love him and all of his crazy madness I was with him two nights before he was killed and the whole time he (like always )keep me laughing I WILL MISS HIS FOREVER
DON MCGUFFIN
Well I’ve known Aaron for a life time. Sine we where nine years old. He was a good friend and I am sorry to hear of his death. I will always remember the energetic , happy kid I ran around with as kids. My heart goes out to his famly and friends that where close to him. If there is a service I would like to know about it.
Rest in piece my brother
I went to Stewart Jr. with Aaron, Then he was a bad boy with a good heart and a smile that would make the girls drool. He was always laughing, living life to the fullest. He and his friends were always together. I can’t remember him not being with at least one of the four of them. I will always remember him as he was then. My prayers go out to all of his family and friends.
Lol which four?
I was with Aaron in 2008 for over a year and he was nothing short of amazing. We saw eachother every day and talked every night on the phone. He always made me laugh when I wanted to cry. He loved me and my kids. I was lucky enough to know him sober. He had a huge heart, and always said he would protect me no matter what and he did. I haven’t talked to him much lately but thought about him all the time. He will always be a part of my life. Jennifer, he used to tell me how you would write him and it ment so much to him. Christina, he always told me how you were his best friend and how much he loved you. Aaron will remain in my heart forever.
Also Christina I want you to know that he said that no matter what ever happened you would always be his best friend. I want you to know you held a special place in his heart. I still have letters of him telling me “you need to get ahold of Christina and hang out with her”. He wanted us to be friends also. I’m thankful I still have all his letters he wrote me. And all the necklaces he made for my girls. It’s a piece of him I will always have!
Thank you Alisa, that means a lot to me to hear that. I loved Aaron more than anything, we were super close for many years, Im greatful he finally gets to rest peacefully now.
I love reading all of your wonderful reply’s and memories of Aaron. I see a side to him that I knew existed, but wasn’t always able to “see” for myself. Your positive remarks make me /us, his family, smile. Thank you!
DEAR BROKENHEARTED: I am reaching out to you and your family for help. We are trying so very hard to get answers that only you three can share. PLEASE PLEASE speak with the people I are directing your way. They are contacting you to help us with this investigation. You said you wanted justice for Aaron. The best thing you can do for him is to simply tell your side(s) of the story. You were there. You all have insight that nobody else has. The people who are trying to reach out to you have absolutely NO INTRUST in diving into your personal affairs. They simply want your statements. That’s all. If you feel you cannot do a face to face for whatever reason(s) then by all means,please provide them with a written statement. ANYTHING would help at this point. Thank you for your time. I trust you will make the right decision here. You three are a big piece to the puzzle.
Aarons mother Lonnie asked me to thank everyone who came yesterday and for all the love and support that everybody gave. It was a memorable day for everybody. Aaron i know was there in spirit with all of us and
I know he was all smiles. So thanks again to all his family and friends who gathered together yesterday to remember his spirit.
It was an amazing day. I hope he always knew how many lives he impacted
Any idea why there hasn’t been any news on the investigation?
Probably because there isn’t much to report. The police say that the truck Aaron was in was reported stolen with a gun inside it and that Aaron said he was trying to get a gun. From that perspective, it is a justifiable shooting and there’s nothing more to be done. There is an ongoing police investigation in the shooting, but that won’t be reported to the media until it’s concluded and even then only if something interesting shows up in the investigation.
thank you for responding.
I dont even know where to begin. My name is candese Aaron and I were a couple about 2 yrs. His death has left me in constant emotional day’s!! Aaron and I were inseperable, I loved him deeply even through our dysfunction, we also shared time clean and clear minded also. So I say aaron for his attributes,talents and beautiful spirt. Along with his addiction and down falls. Ither way I took him for “him” all!!!!!! My heart is heavy I wish I could have been at the memorial or gathering. So if ppl could keep me posted please. Im on face book. Candese Morgan
How do you dream about a friend that you had years ago, wake up and think “where is he now”….then to find out that he was shot in the head 2 years ago and I didn’t even know it.
So many thoughts….like am I a terrible friend??? why did you have to die so young? Why couldn’t you just keep your nose clean???
Part of me is mad because I knew what good was inside of Aaron…the other part of me is even madder because no one can see past his past. He was more than just a “convicted felon”…he was funny and charming and sweet. And he had a smile that just wouldn’t quit. I’ve missed you many times since the last time I saw you. I miss you even more now that I know I will never see you again.
DEAR AARON,MY BROTHER IN LAW JUST BECAUSE IT WASNT LEGAL
YET MY SISTER LOVED YOU MORE THEN WORDS COULD EXPLAIN.
AND EVERYONE WHO SAY THEY DIDNT KNOW HER DOESNT MEAN
THEY WERNT MADLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY IN LOVE HONESTLY
THEY WERE SO HUNG ON EACHOTHER NONE OF US SAW MUCH OF THEM.
THEY WERE ALWAYS TOGETHER SHE WAS HIS RIDE OR DIE
TODAY SHE STILL CONTINUES TO TALK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY,
SHE MISSSES YOU MORE THEN ANYONE IVE EVER SEEN MISS ANYONE SHE STILL HURTS BUT SHE KNOWS YOUR LOOKIN OVER HER AND EVEN THO IT WASSNT ON PAPER SHE WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR (LISA MARIE WESTBY)’RAY’
I LOVE U AND MISS U AARON WE ALL DO EXSPECIALLY LISA LOE ALWAYS FAITH AND LISA AND MOM MARY DELRECO
I have known Aaron since we were juviniles the police are corrupt open your eyes people it happened everyday somewhere police beating people up or killing people ..we all make mistakes in life some worse then others no one is perfect and I know that we have choices in life to better ourselves ,but easier said then done.there are a few that can fit. There lives around and get it rite but everything aside does someone have to pay with their life not just Aaron but several others ,every since the guy who killed them cops in Lakewood its bin a green light for them to kill,its bullshit a car thief OK whatever ,why don’t they go shoot a rapist or child molester ,but oh know they are protected ,its kinda funny the judicial system we have they wanted to give me 21 month for a felony elude and they gave a guy who did bad things not nothing I want to list 6 months in jail .if someone is a sex offender they get all kinds of assistance when release .if your not you get 40 buck out to the street ..I’m just saying the system is fucked cops are killing people all the time !!!and people are like well he deserved it no he did not Aaron was a super good dude just made some bad choices and didn’t deserve to die I also know when you get tazed you don’t keep going it emobilelizes you .so those cops or cop killed Aaron I believe in my opinion and I know its not much cuz I got a criminal history ..but I’m saying it any way and I could give a shit less what anyone has got to say about it …..my heart goes out to his mother his family sorry for your loss and those that knew Aaron also and the person he was …..
I worked with Aaron months leading up to this. All I can say is he was a good dude. Hes path in life ended too soon. He may have had issues, but inside, he was a good man.