Release of Suspect in Fatal Motorcycle Incident Sparks Outrage

A Washington resident expressed feelings of “hopelessness” after his girlfriend’s killer was granted a strikingly low $50,000 bail. Dennis “DJ” Thornlow, who tragically lost his life on July 2 while riding his motorcycle in Anacortes, was allegedly run over by 49-year-old Josue Flores, who is facing serious charges including felony hit-and-run and second-degree murder.

According to investigators, Flores closely pursued Thornlow into a parking lot. When Thornlow swerved, he fell, and Flores then “deliberately” drove over him, dragging his body for about 62 yards. Court documents indicate that as Thornlow lay unresponsive, Flores made a sharp maneuver that resulted in him striking Thornlow’s head and foot, an act captured by surveillance footage.

In statements to the police, Flores described Thornlow as “violent,” claiming he had shouted racial slurs and threatened him. However, Flores’ own mother contradicted his story, asserting that there was no need for him to leave home to cash a Social Security check, as she had already done so.

“I was shocked. I couldn’t understand it,” said Thornlow’s partner, Jordan Weeks.

Flores didn’t admit to the act of running over Thornlow during police interviews. Witnesses suggested that it appeared Flores was chasing the motorcycle when the incident occurred. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Judge Thomas Burge set the bail at just $50,000 during a hearing, a decision that has left many, including former federal prosecutor Neema Rahmani, astonished.

Rahmani pointed out that $50,000 is an uncommonly low bail for such serious charges and added that public outrage is understandable. He stated, “This is a man who should have spent the rest of his life in prison.” Flores has a criminal history, including a 1996 conviction for assault and a more recent charge in 2022 for attacking a medical professional.

Neighbors have recalled Flores making threatening remarks, hinting at a violent past with gang affiliations. As for Thornlow, Weeks described their six-year relationship as one built on kindness and mutual respect, calling Flores’ accusations against him unfounded.

Weeks emphasized Thornlow’s deep connection with his 13-year-old daughter, expressing that he was a loving father. “Being a father is one of the most important things to him,” she remarked, reflecting on their bond.

Attempts to reach Flores’ attorney for comments on the case have been made, but no responses have been received.