Issaquah, Washington — A workplace jealousy dispute allegedly turned deadly outside a Costco after a 22-year-old employee followed his 20-year-old coworker from the store parking lot and intentionally crashed into his motorcycle, according to police and court documents.
The victim, Jonathon Langdon, died at the scene on July 31, while the alleged driver, Tyler Sorensen, now faces a second-degree murder charge.
Coworker Allegedly Followed Victim From Costco
The fatal incident happened at approximately 9 p.m. after Sorensen and Langdon had apparently finished work at a Costco in Issaquah.
According to prosecutors, Sorensen became angry after seeing Langdon hug a female coworker whom he was reportedly interested in.
Authorities allege Sorensen followed Langdon out of the Costco parking lot and waited before pursuing him onto the road. Surveillance footage reportedly captured what happened next.
Police said the video showed Sorensen’s sedan swerving toward Langdon’s motorcycle and striking it, causing the young rider to lose control.
Motorcycle Rider Thrown Into Signpost
The impact sent Langdon from his motorcycle and into a nearby metal signpost.
According to court documents cited in reports, surveillance footage showed Langdon striking the signpost before falling to the ground.
Despite emergency responders’ attempts to save him, Langdon died at the scene. He was reportedly wearing a helmet when the crash occurred.
Police described the incident as a fatal hit-and-run before Sorensen eventually returned to the scene.
Prosecutors Say Jealousy Was Behind the Attack
Investigators allege the confrontation stemmed from Sorensen’s feelings toward the female coworker. Sorensen reportedly told police that the woman was his former girlfriend, but the woman disputed that characterization.
According to investigators, she told police they were not dating and that she had previously warned Sorensen he was “crossing boundaries.”
Prosecutors allege Sorensen became increasingly upset after seeing her embrace Langdon. He reportedly sent a photograph of the pair hugging to friends, accompanied by an angry message.
“My blood is boiling,” he allegedly wrote.
Investigators say Sorensen later acknowledged that he intentionally struck Langdon’s motorcycle.
Suspect Allegedly Admitted He Meant to Hit Motorcycle
During questioning, Sorensen reportedly told detectives that he acted out of anger. He allegedly acknowledged that hitting the motorcycle was intentional while also claiming that he did not intend to kill Langdon.
According to police, Sorensen told investigators:
“It was stupid but I, I was, I meant to do it.”
He reportedly said he only wanted to “spook him” and did not mean to hit Langdon.
Prosecutors, however, allege Sorensen had already nearly struck Langdon and the female coworker in the Costco parking lot before waiting for Langdon to leave.
Sorensen Allegedly Left Scene After Crash
After the collision, authorities say Sorensen drove away from the scene and went home. According to prosecutors, he stopped at one point to inspect damage to his vehicle.
He was also reportedly stopped by police and issued a speeding ticket shortly after the crash, although authorities had not yet arrested him in connection with Langdon’s death.
Approximately an hour after the collision, Sorensen returned to the scene after his father learned what had happened and brought him back to surrender to authorities.
Defendant Pleads Not Guilty
Sorensen appeared in court on Thursday, Aug. 6, and pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. A judge ordered him held in King County Jail on $2 million bail.
The court also prohibited Sorensen from contacting Langdon’s family, the female coworker, or witnesses connected to the alleged hit-and-run.
Sorensen is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 27.
It was not immediately clear whether he had retained an attorney who could comment on the allegations. The charges against Sorensen are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What do you think about this case?
Can jealousy ever explain such an extreme act, or should someone who intentionally causes a fatal crash face the same consequences as any other alleged killer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
