A white supremacist prison gang founder stands trial for orchestrating a double murder followed by sacrificing a horse to the Norse god Odin, exposing how violent criminal networks operate beyond prison walls in suburban Washington communities.
White Supremacist Gang Violence Comes to Suburban Washington
Brandon Gerner founded a white supremacist prison gang during two decades of incarceration for early 2000s felonies, building a criminal network based on Norse mythology ideals. In early 2023, prosecutors allege Gerner and his best friend Kody Olsen killed Robert Riley and Ashley Williams at a commercial property on 238th Avenue SE in Maple Valley. The dispute escalated when Riley pointed a gun at Gerner, prompting Gerner to direct Olsen to shoot Riley. Gerner then allegedly stabbed Williams before Olsen shot her fatally. The bodies were dumped in bushes near 22600 SE 216th Place, discovered by a neighbor the following morning.
Police Shootout Ends Co-Conspirator’s Life
On December 12, 2023, Pierce County deputies pursued Olsen for driving under the influence. The chase ended when Olsen crashed on Vickery Road south of Tacoma and opened fire on deputies, with one bullet striking a handcuff pouch. Deputies returned fire, fatally wounding Olsen who died days later in the hospital. This deadly confrontation demonstrated the violent criminal mindset of gang members willing to attack law enforcement. Joshua Jones, 36, pleaded guilty in 2024 to rendering criminal assistance for helping move the victims’ bodies and received a 72-month sentence.
Pagan Ritual Sacrifice Shocks Community
Following Olsen’s death, Gerner allegedly killed a horse named LeMon near 132nd Street E and Vickery Avenue E as a sacrifice to the Norse god Odin in honor of his fallen gang associate. This ritualistic killing tied directly to the white supremacist gang’s Norse mythology beliefs, devastating the horse owner’s family. The sacrifice reveals how extremist ideologies blend criminal violence with pagan practices, creating unique threats in suburban communities. Olsen had associations with both Gerner’s gang and a separate Nazi gang, sharing these dangerous Norse mythology ideals that motivated brutal criminal acts.
Defense Strategy Blames Deceased Gang Member
The trial opened Wednesday in King County Superior Court in Kent with starkly different narratives. Prosecutors presented evidence that Gerner orchestrated the conspiracy, directed the shooting, stabbed Williams, and participated in disposing of bodies. Defense attorney Lisa Mulligan conceded evidence exists but argued Olsen acted alone as the killer, with Gerner only helping move bodies afterward. Mulligan claimed Olsen shot in fear for Gerner’s life, framing it as self-defense, and stated fate already punished the real killer. This strategy attempts to exploit Olsen’s death to avoid accountability, a troubling tactic that undermines justice for victims’ families seeking closure.
Prison Gangs Threaten Communities Beyond Bars
This case underscores how prison gangs persist and expand operations after release, threatening law-abiding citizens in suburban areas like Maple Valley and Tacoma. Gerner’s two-decade incarceration enabled him to build a criminal organization that continued violent activities in the community, challenging law enforcement’s ability to disrupt these networks. The trial, expected to last several weeks, will determine whether Gerner faces accountability for murders tied to white supremacist gang ideology. The prosecution’s ability to prove conspiracy despite the deceased co-conspirator complicates the case but remains essential for community safety and upholding the rule of law against violent extremism.
Sources:
Trial starts in Maple Valley double murder case linked to prison gang members – KATU
Trial starts in Maple Valley double murder case linked to prison gang members – KOMO News
Maple Valley Murder Trial Opens in Double Killing Tied to Odin Horse Sacrifice – Hoodline