Video: Suspect's mother talks about her son

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ALGER, Wash. — A shooting rampage that left a trail of blood from a tiny northwest Washington town onto the state's busiest highway ended when a man with a criminal record and a history of mental illness surrendered to police.

Six people died Tuesday, including a Skagit County sheriff's deputy who had tried to help the suspect's family in the past, and a motorist who died on Interstate 5 as the suspect fled. At least two others were wounded, including a Washington State Patrol trooper shot while trying to stop the shooter on the freeway, the State Patrol said.

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Isaac Zamora

State Department of Corrections officials identified the man as Isaac Zamora, 28, who had served a six-month Skagit County jail sentence for drug possession. Zamora was released Aug. 6 and was under community supervision by Corrections officers, spokesman Chad Lewis said.

Zamora's mother said she had tried repeatedly to get help for her son, whom she described as "desperately mentally ill" and chemically unstable.

"We're so devastated for the families," said Dennise Zamora. "I wish it would have been him or me that was killed. That's how deeply I feel about it."

Mrs. Zamora said she didn't know why her son went on a murderous rampage and added he looked "placid" and "more agreeable than usual" that morning. She adds she didn't know how her son got a hold of a gun.

The deputy killed was identified as Anne Jackson, 40, whom Mrs. Zamora described as a sympathetic figure who had tried to help the family in the past.

Mount Vernon Police Department

Deputy Anne Jackson was one of six people killed Tuesday in a shooting rampage in Skagit County.

"She was very gracious," Dennise Zamora said. "She knew exactly what we were going through, said her brother was going through some similar stuff."

Jackson became a deputy in 2005 and had previously worked three years as an animal control officer.

Events started just after 2 p.m. when Jackson responded to a report of an unwanted armed guest inside a home in the 19800 block of Silver Creek Drive in Zamora's Alger neighborhood. Dispatch received a call that deputies were under fire. Jackson was found shot and killed a block away along Bridle Place, along with four other people, including two construction workers who were working on a home in the area.

After the shootings in the Alger area, police believe Zamora drove south on Interstate 5 shooting people along the way. The armed suspect raced at speeds in excess of 90 mph, with troopers, sheriff's deputies and Mount Vernon police in pursuit.

One motorcyclist was shot in the arm at a Shell gas station in Alger. A civilian motorist was shot and killed and a state trooper was grazed in the arm by a bullet along I-5 near a rest stop. The wounded trooper drove himself to a nearby hospital for treatment and was later released. He was identified as Trooper Troy Giddings. The other victims were not immediately identified.

The suspect then drove to the Skagit County's Sheriff's Office in Mount Vernon where he surrendered and was taken into police custody around 4:30 p.m.

State Patrol troopers temporarily closed all southbound lanes of I-5 north of Burlington for a period Tuesday evening, backing up traffic for miles, as they investigated that crime scene.

"There are a lot of answers that are just not available right now," Everett police Sgt. Robert Goetz told a news conference late Tuesday night.

Since his release, Zamora had reported as ordered to Corrections officials and passed drug and alcohol screenings, Corrections Secretary Eldon Vail said.

"I want to extend our profound sorrow and heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the shootings," Vail said. "This is a senseless loss of the lives of innocent citizens and a member of our law-enforcement family."

Investigators with many agencies, including the FBI, will return to the crime scenes Wednesday to gather evidence and piece together information about the shooting rampage. They say they are aware the tragedy will be difficult for many to overcome.

"The impact of this tragedy will be far-reaching, but I am confident we can heal as a community," said a Skagit County Sheriff Richard Grimstead.

Gov. Chris Gregoire called for an independent third-party review to be led by the head of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and a prosecutor to be appointed by the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

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Police are investigating seven different crime scenes in a shooting spree that left six dead Tuesday in Skagit County, Wash.

"I will be directing them to look into how this case was handled and provide an initial report to me within 10 days," Gregoire said late Tuesday night.

Neighbor Shirley Wenrick said she was always wary of Zamora.

"He definitely had some serious mental issues, and now we know just how serious they were," she said. Wenrick said Zamora often argued with his parents about his behavior.

"'Some day I'll get even' is what he told me," she said.

Hours after the shootings, a group of residents gathered at the Alger Bar and Grill to watch the television news.

"It's devastating for this town," Steve Thomas said, "The people here are very law enforcement-friendly. It's very somber."

Statement from Governor Chris Gregoire

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families of the victims of today's tragic crimes. The victims included innocent civilians and a Skagit County sheriff's deputy. In addition, a Washington State Patrol trooper was injured. Our law enforcement heroes are the first line of defense against crime and they risk their lives everyday to protect others.

I have directed Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste to assist local law enforcement in the investigation of the crimes and the suspect.

Tonight I ask my fellow Washingtonians to pray for the friends and families who suffered such a terrible loss.

Seattle Times

Skagit County Deputy Ann Jackson

Statement from Secretary Eldon Vail

On behalf of the Department of Corrections I want to extend our profound sorrow and heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the shootings in Skagit County. This is a senseless loss of the lives of innocent citizens and a member of our law-enforcement family.

We have done an initial review of Isaac L. Zamora's supervision. He was sentenced by Skagit County Superior Court to six months in county jail and one year of community supervision. Zamora was released in the first week of August from Skagit County Jail.

Following his release from jail, in August he reported to his community corrections officer twice as instructed. A urine analysis indicated no drug or alcohol consumption. He was next scheduled to report to his community corrections officer on Sept. 10.

We will cooperate with local law enforcement during their investigation.

Additionally, following our policy after an incident like this, we will have an internal review of his supervision.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call the Tip Line at 360-419-3257.