The identity and cause of death for a man who died at a homeless encampment in Downtown Burien on Thursday, Mar. 14, was released by the King County Medical Examiner’s (KCME) office on Friday, Mar. 15, 2024.

Randolph Neil Humiston, 52, died from “acute combined drug intoxication including fentanyl and methamphetamine,” KCME announced.

As we previously reported, the tragic death occurred Thursday morning, Mar. 14 at the encampment on the sidewalk outside the Burien Town Square condos at SW 152nd Street and 5th Place SW.

According to the 911 dispatch, the call came in at 5:24 a.m. with multiple units responding, but crews were unable to revive the victim.

Of the 17 deaths announced by KCME on Friday, nine were related to fentanyl, equal to nearly 53 percent of that day’s total.

UPDATE: According to KIRO7, Humiston had been arrested 105 times for numerous crimes, including alleged child kidnapping attempt(s), four felonies, and 38 gross misdemeanors, along with multiple drug convictions, according to court records.

We send our deepest sympathies to all those who knew Randolph.

Since 2007, The B-Town Blog is Burien’s multiple award-winning hyperlocal news/events website dedicated to independent journalism.

Join the Conversation

2 Comments

  1. According to KIRO News: A 47-year-old man charged last month with a violent attempt to kidnap a 9-year-old girl and break into a Seattle apartment has been arrested 104 previous times in King County over the last 14 years, according to court records.

    Seattle police arrested Randolph Neil Humiston on May 30 after he allegedly grabbed and dragged a girl on a playground, according to charging documents. Prosecutors say the girl kicked and screamed at Humiston until he released her.

    KIRO NEWS published this story in 2019.

  2. Hermiston should have been considered a danger to himself and others. It is unfortunate that our legal system could not incarcerate him or place him in institutional care due to limits on involuntary commitment. Our system fails at many levels, but that does change the fact that this man was a danger to our community.

Leave a comment
COMMENT POLICY: Please use your real name and remain civil – no attacks. Since it's an election year, comments that campaign or complain about candidates will NOT be approved. Try writing a thoughtful, informed, intelligent comment that would make your Mom proud.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *