A brutal attack on a Washington State Patrol trooper has culminated in a stiff penalty that sends a clear message about the consequences of such violence. Brandon O’Neel, the man responsible, now faces over two decades in prison for his actions, as reported by Police1.
The harsh reality unfolded more than three years ago when O’Neel, 40, shot Trooper Dean Atkinson Jr. in the hand and face, leading to a sentence of 25¾ years on Thursday. This maximum penalty, handed down by Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge Brandon L. Johnson, reflects the gravity of O’Neel’s guilty pleas to attempted first-degree murder and attempting to elude police.
The incident stemmed from a dark day in September 2022, when O’Neel, freshly evicted from his Walla Walla apartment, turned his frustration into a violent assault on law enforcement. Trooper Atkinson, despite severe injuries, managed to drive himself to Providence St. Mary Medical Center and walk into the emergency room for help.
Surviving a Harrowing Ordeal
Atkinson’s resilience shone through as he not only survived but returned to duty with the Washington State Patrol. His courtroom presence, flanked by family and a strong contingent of fellow officers, underscored the deep support within the law enforcement community.
During the sentencing, Atkinson recounted the terror of that day, stating, “As I drove myself to the hospital, I started to realize the severity of the situation. I remember asking hospital staff, ‘Please don’t let me die.’”
His words cut through the room, a stark reminder of the personal toll such violence exacts. While some might argue for leniency in light of mental health claims, the reality of a near-fatal attack on a public servant demands accountability over excuses.
Family and Community Stand United
Atkinson’s family didn’t hold back in their plea for justice, with his wife, Meagan, directly addressing O’Neel, saying, “You sit there with your head down. No emotions, no remorse.”
Her frustration mirrors a broader sentiment that those who harm our protectors often evade the full weight of consequence in a system sometimes too quick to sympathize with perpetrators. The courtroom, filled with supporters from both law enforcement and the public, signaled that this community values its troopers and demands retribution.
O’Neel, for his part, remained largely silent during the hearing, showing emotion only when his mother, Elsie Kennedy, spoke on his behalf. She apologized to the Atkinson family, acknowledging their pain while pleading for understanding of her son’s mental struggles.
A Judge’s Firm Stance on Justice
Judge Johnson, unmoved by defense arguments for a lighter sentence based on documented mental health issues, opted for the high end of the standard range, from 20½ to 25¾ years. He pointedly noted that O’Neel knew exactly what he was doing, even leaving a note about a bomb in his apartment as a menacing gesture.
The judge’s characterization of O’Neel as a “bomb in the community” hits hard, reflecting a belief that such calculated malice warrants no leniency. While mental health deserves consideration, it cannot become a blanket shield for endangering lives.
O’Neel’s attorney, Julie Ann Carlson Straube, pushed for a shorter term within the sentencing range, citing delays in the case due to her client’s psychological state. Yet, when weighed against the trauma inflicted on Atkinson and his family, her argument struggled to find traction.
Closing a Painful Chapter
In the end, O’Neel’s guilty plea led to the dismissal of additional charges like first-degree assault and threats to bomb, but not without securing a hefty sentence. With credit for 1,134 days already served, he still faces over two decades of accountability for his choices.
This case serves as a sobering reminder that actions have consequences, especially when they target those who risk their lives to keep us safe. It’s a small measure of relief for Atkinson, who continues to grapple with nightmares and the emotional scars of that day.
For a society too often swayed by narratives of victimhood for the guilty, this sentence stands as a necessary line in the sand. Trooper Atkinson’s survival and return to duty are a testament to courage, and the court’s decision ensures that justice, at least in this instance, aligns with the weight of the crime.
