Irah Sok Obituary, Death: Beloved Everett Mother Killed in 2022 Home Invasion; Third Suspect Arrested as Investigation Continues
Irah Mercel Sok was a 36-year-old photographer, devoted mother and wife, based in Mill Creek near Everett, Washington. She specialized in maternity and newborn portraiture, transforming a home garage into her own studio before opening Irah Sok Images in January 2022. Her work earned international recognition, including an AFNS award for newborn photography. Friends and clients remember her as talented, generous, and deeply committed to her family and craft.
📅 A Terrible Incident: Home Invasion & Homicide
-
In the early hours of August 19, 2022, at approximately 3:00 a.m., three masked individuals forced their way into the home of Ms. Sok on 96th Street Southeast in unincorporated Snohomish County, just outside Everett.
-
The intruders went upstairs to Ms. Sok’s bedroom, where she lay beside her 7-year-old child. She was fatally shot in bed, and her husband was restrained with zip ties. The child was unharmed.
-
The suspects ransacked the residence and stole luxury items before fleeing. The husband sought help from a neighbor, who then contacted 911.
Local mourning followed quickly: nearly a hundred people attended a candlelight vigil on August 28, 2022, in front of her studio in Mill Creek. Loved ones spoke of her kindness, artistry, and the void left in her community.
🧩 Investigation & Arrests
For nearly two years, the case remained unsolved until August 2024, when two suspects were formally indicted:
-
Kevin Thissel (28) and Chris Johnson (23), arrested in connection with a wider network of home invasions targeting Asian‑American families across western Washington.
The suspects now face federal charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), alongside potential state charges including:
-
First- and second-degree murder
-
Kidnapping
-
First-degree burglary
-
Robbery
-
Theft of a firearm
-
Unlawful possession of a firearm
At a press conference held on August 15, 2024, law enforcement described a calculated criminal enterprise that carried out multiple violent invasions between May and August 2022 — in locations like Mount Vernon, Burien, Kent, and Everett.
This is believed to be the first RICO indictment in the Western District of Washington in 17 years.
🕵️ Third Suspect Still at Large
While Thissel and Johnson are in custody, a third suspect remains unidentified and free. Investigators continue to seek leads to determine the full number of co-conspirators and bring everyone involved to justice.
The case remains active, and authorities have appealed to the public for tips via the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes tipline at 425‑388‑3845.
📊 Case Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Irah Mercel Sok, 36; mother and photographer |
| Date / Time of Incident | ~3 a.m., August 19, 2022 |
| Location | 2600 block of 96th St SE, Snohomish County (near Everett) |
| Circumstances | Three masked intruders stormed the home; Sok was shot in bed beside her 7‑year‑old child. |
| Arrested & Indicted | Kevin Thissel (28), Chris Johnson (23) – now facing federal RICO charges and anticipated state murder/robbery charges |
| Third Suspect Status | Still at large and under investigation |
| Impact | Victim’s young child lost their mother; the case intensified fear in communities across King, Snohomish, and Skagit counties |
💔 Legacy & Next Steps
Irah Sok is remembered for her warmth, passion, and artistic spirit—a mother whose life was tragically cut short in her own home. Her loss deeply impacted friends, clients, and neighbors in the Asian‑American community and beyond.2
Law enforcement continues to appeal for any information about the third suspect or broader crime ring. Anyone with knowledge is encouraged to contact the tip line. The goal remains to deliver justice for Irah and closure for her family.