Parents killed by drunk driver.

On Thursday morning (1/20/2022), Arlington Public Safety personnel and North County Regional Fire Authority responded to the scene of a tragic single vehicle vs. pedestrian collision at the intersection of 204th St. NE and SR 9, Arlington with two victims. The driver was arrested and booked for DUI and two counts of Vehicular Homicide.

The victims were identified as Tausha Schmidt and Justin Wilkerson. Both victims were residents of Arlington and left behind their children: Karen (17), Matthew (15), and Ozland (8). This crime has upset the three children’s worlds and transformed their lives as they knew them.

The Arlington Police Officer Association, Arlington/Stanwood Union Firefighters Local 3438, and Northwest Incident Support have been in constant contact with the children and extended family these last several days. Obviously, with the death of their parents, there will be significant needs for these children moving forward.

Multiple people have reached out expressing interest in supporting this amazing young family. In partnership with the family, our organizations have come together to start a fundraising campaign using GoFundMe.

The intention of this fundraiser is for the direct support of the three children and their needs, both immediate and in the future. Please consider donating to this campaign to show this family the support that Arlington and Washingtonians are known for.

At this time, the family is asking for privacy as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.

Arlington Police Officer Association, Arlington/Stanwood Union Firefighters Local 3438, and Northwest Incident Support