2021-06-23 - DA Drops Charges in McNeely Case

Gray Harbor residents would remember Addison McNeely's disappearance nearly two decades ago as a heartbreaking event for the family and local community. Near the beginning of the month it seemed like her family and community would finally get closure.

Well, a couple days ago Benjamin McNeely's attorney pulled the plug on plea negotiations. In a statement to the Gazette he said, "Gray Harbor Police mishandled the evidence in this case and, we suspect, have even gone as far as to fabricate it entirely in an effort to frame my client and put a quick seal on this high-profile cold case. This family has suffered enough and they will only suffer more from the stigma of this false accusation. Once our client's innocence is proven we will be filing suit against the GHPD for a litany of misconduct and unlawful procedure, and we will be seeking substantial damages."

Usually these sorts of pronouncements are taken in stride, however, this morning Assistant District Attorney Anita Bower announced she was dropping the charges against Benjamin McNeely for the abduction and murder of his half-sister, Addison, twenty years ago. The reason? "There is simply insubstantial evidence at this point to make this case."

This is quite the about-face. Last week there was "solid DNA evidence" and now there is "insubstantial evidence".

According to the McNeelys, they still intend to file suit and are submitting an official complaint to the State's Attorney General.

Gray Harbor Police Department has yet to comment or issue a statement.