News Tribune readers following the Zina Linnik case have raised several questions about police procedure, the subsequent search for Zina and Terapon Dang Adhahn, the man charged with causing her death. Adhahn is also charged with multiple rapes involving two other adolescent victims. Many of these questions have been answered in news stories, but readers who haven’t followed daily coverage will find them here as well. We’ll try to respond to additional questions through on this blog as they arise. (Go here for an archive of our news coverage.)
If you have questions or comments about this case, you can post a comment below or contact us.
- Sean Robinson: 253-597-8486; Sean.robinson@thenewstribune.com
- Randy McCarthy: 253-597-8277; Randy.mccarthy@thenewstribune.com
Q: Why did police wait 12 hours to issue the Amber Alert for Zina Linnik?
A: Because they thought they’d captured the kidnapping suspect in the first few hours after Linnik disappeared.
During a news conference July 13, after Linnik’s body was discovered, Tacoma Police Chief Don Ramsdell explained that police were following "a very hot lead" on July 4, the night of Zina’s abduction.
The suspect detained by police that night drove a van similar to the one described by Zina’s father. Police questioned the suspect for several hours, and subjected him to a polygraph test, Ramsdell said. Eventually, police realized they had the wrong man, and issued the Amber Alert.
Read more »