Bail jumper's family out $100,000

OKANOGAN, Wash., Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The family of a murder suspect who skipped bail will be losing $100,000, authorities in Washington State said.

The money has been shared by the state and Okanogan County, The Wenatchee World reported.

Kino Gomez, 51, of Seattle was charged with the first-degree murder of Tom Pfaeffle. Pfaeffle, a sound engineer with the Black Diamond recording studio, had worked with stars including B.B. King, Nirvana and Aerosmith during a 30-year career.

Pfaeffle was shot at a motel in Twisp. Investigators said he inadvertently tried to open the door of the wrong room with his key and was shot through the door.

Gomez was declared a fugitive in September. He disappeared, telling his family he was taking a "one-way trip to the mountains" and apologizing for any inconvenience.

"The media, the bloggers, the police, the justice system, none of whom witnessed the alleged crime, already hung me," Gomez said in the letter. "Well, just for spite, I shall deprive society of the circus it so bloody craves -- the bearded lady quit!"