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Seattle gas station killing suspect agrees to return to King County
Michael Oneal Fleming waived extradition after his arrest in Chicago in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Graeme Dobbeck near Seattle Center. Fleming is also a person of interest in the deaths of his mother and stepfather in Wisconsin; investigators have not announced charges in that case.
The man accused of fatally shooting a Seattle gas station manager has waived extradition and is expected to be returned to King County to face a first-degree murder charge, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Michael Oneal Fleming, 33, was arrested in Chicago on Monday in connection with the shooting of 36-year-old Graeme Dobbeck at a 76 gas station near Seattle Center. Fleming’s arraignment in King County is scheduled for Nov. 2. Authorities have not said when he will be brought back to Washington.
Court documents allege Fleming entered the store shortly after 5 a.m., bought a drink and then went behind the counter through an open door. Investigators say surveillance footage shows him shooting Dobbeck three times from close range. The cash register was open, but police said nothing was taken and they found no apparent motive.
Dobbeck’s father, Ben, said his son had been Fleming’s boss. Fleming resigned after giving two weeks’ notice, and his final shift was Oct. 2, according to court documents. The family said they knew of no serious conflict between the men.
“He was my son, and I really want to see justice done,” Ben Dobbeck said. He described Graeme as a kind, witty person who loved animals and was supportive of his employees. A former co-worker said he adjusted schedules to accommodate staff and often brought them lunch on Saturdays, his day off.
Fleming was arrested a day after his mother and stepfather were found dead at their home in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Kenosha police named him a person of interest in the double homicide and said that investigation is continuing. Seattle and Kenosha authorities had warned the public not to approach him, describing him as armed and dangerous.
Waiving extradition means Fleming will not contest his return to Washington. Casey McNerthney of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said prosecutors want him before the court as soon as possible. The Dobbeck family said Fleming’s arrest brought some relief, while grieving the other deaths connected to the investigations.