SEATTLE — A 75-year-old woman is grappling with severe injuries and loss of independence following a shocking assault last Friday in the heart of downtown Seattle. Jeanette Marken, who now faces the prospect of permanent blindness in one eye, was struck while delivering food orders in broad daylight.
Marken recounted the terrifying incident in an interview with a local news outlet, revealing how she was unexpectedly attacked while waiting for a traffic light to change at Third Avenue and James Street. Her son, Andrius Dyrikis, translated her words from Spanish, emphasizing the random nature of the violence.
According to police reports, 42-year-old Fale Pea approached Marken from behind, wielding a wooden plank with a metal screw embedded in it. The attack was unprovoked, with investigators noting the absence of prior interactions between the victim and the assailant. The force of the blow caused Marken to collapse, resulting in a broken nose, cheekbone, and critical damage to her right eye.
Dyrikis expressed his anguish over the situation, stating, “Out of nowhere, a crazy person decided to destroy one’s life.” Both he and his brother were compelled to travel from abroad to be by their mother’s side during this challenging time.
Authorities apprehended Pea shortly after the incident. Known for a history of violent conduct, his criminal record includes multiple convictions for assault and a felony conviction for using a deadly weapon. He now faces charges of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, with bail set at $1 million due to concerns about his potential to reoffend or evade court appearances.
The impact of the attack on Marken’s life has been profound. Dyrikis noted that she is unable to work or drive, stripping her of a significant degree of autonomy. “They took that away from her,” he lamented. Marken’s family is now faced with overwhelming medical expenses, prompting them to establish a crowdfunding campaign to support her recovery, which is expected to involve further surgeries and rehabilitation.
As Marken focuses on healing, she reflects on a future that has dramatically changed. Prior to the assault, she looked forward to retirement and cherished her passion for painting, which brought her immense joy. Dyrikis emphasized the emotional and financial strains stemming from this tumultuous event, describing their household as living paycheck to paycheck.
Despite the trauma, Marken remains grateful for the kindness she received from bystanders immediately following the attack, who helped staunch her bleeding and offered support.
Dyrikis has voiced his frustration over how someone capable of such an unpredictable act of violence was free to roam the streets. “Nobody deserves this,” he said, struggling to hold back tears as he questioned how such incidents could happen in a city known for its safety.
Marken’s courage in recounting her experience has inspired her family and those around her. Her son described her as a beacon of resilience, noting how she expressed gratitude even to the medical personnel caring for her. “We love her, and I’ll do anything to see her smile again,” Dyrikis said, committed to helping her rediscover happiness and independence in the months ahead.