White Swan man sentenced to prison for premeditated murder in brutal knife attack | Local

YAKIMA –Taylor Thomas Rayne Sinclair, 23, of White Swan, Washington, was convicted of assault with intent to murder. Chief U.S. District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 168 months in a federal prison, followed by three years of probation, and ordered him to pay $13,625.10 in restitution.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing on the morning of November 19, 2022, Sinclair, an enrolled member of the Yakama Tribe, entered the victim's property through an open gate. The victim heard dogs barking and came outside.

The victim did not recognize Sinclair and asked if he needed help. Sinclair pulled out a folding knife, ran toward the victim and stabbed her multiple times, including in the face, stomach and hands. The victim and Sinclair struggled for control of the knife. The victim managed to grab the knife, but at the same time Sinclair put the victim in a chokehold. Sinclair eventually released the victim from the chokehold and the victim ran back into the house.

Sinclair attempted to follow her, but the victim pushed Sinclair back outside and locked the door. With the help of her young child, the victim was able to call 911. The victim and her child ran into the bathroom and locked the door. While the victim waited for help, she heard windows being broken, loud bangs, and Sinclair screaming inside the house.

Police arrived a short time later and arrested Sinclair. Investigators found two windows had been broken and the front door had been broken and partially torn off its hinges. Investigators also discovered blood on the porch and around the house. The victim was taken to the hospital and treated for multiple stab wounds, including an eye socket fracture and a collapsed lung.

“I commend the victim's courage in this case. What began as an offer of help to a stranger unexpectedly escalated into a provoked, violent attack. The victim bravely fought back against her attacker and then, despite serious injuries, managed to call for help and get herself and her young child to safety in a locked bathroom,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “By working closely with our federal, tribal, and local partners, we will continue to hold those who commit acts of violence in tribal communities accountable and work together to make Eastern Washington safer and stronger.”

“Horrific is the only word that describes what the victim experienced at the hands of Mr. Sinclair,” said Richard A. Collodi, special agent in charge of the FBI's Seattle field office. “Fortunately, she survived this brutal and unprovoked attack. Hopefully, she can find some comfort in the verdict announced today.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, and the Yakima County Sheriff's Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Murphy and Courtney R. Pratten.