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Meth may be involved in deadly crash

The Columbian
Published: September 13, 2013, 5:00pm

BELLEVUE — The Washington State Patrol suspects a driver going more than 100 mph was under the influence of methamphetamine when he struck another car, killing its driver in a fiery crash on Interstate 405.

The suspect made statements to troopers at the scene that led them to think he was under the influence of meth or something similar, Trooper Chris Webb said.

Investigators were waiting for the results of drug tests and intended to get a warrant to search the wreckage of his car.

Two other cars were involved in the crash Thursday night and a total of four people were injured. Those injuries appeared to be moderate, Webb said. All were taken to nearby Overlake Hospital Medical Center.

The victim was a 22-year-old Federal Way man, identified as Ian Riley Beckford by lawyer Eric Makus, who represents the Beckford family.

The suspect, Samuel C. Sampson, 27, of Woodinville, remained under guard at the hospital Friday afternoon, Webb said. On his release, he would be booked into jail for investigation of vehicular homicide and possible other charges, Webb said.

The injured people included a Woodinville woman, 25, who was a passenger in the Sampson’s car, and two people from Woodinville in another vehicle.

The crash closed all southbound lanes of the freeway until 5 a.m. Friday. The wreckage covered more than a third of a mile.

“It takes a long time to check all the debris, all the vehicles, mark the scene and gather evidence,” Webb said.

Makus said Beckford was on his way home after spending the day on Lake Sammamish with friends. The lawyer said the Federal Way High School graduate lived with his parents and planned to attend college this fall.

“The family is in a deep sense of loss,” Makus said.

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