We miss you.
Thom Norton
We miss you.
About Justice for Thom
Our purpose
Thom was tragically killed while walking around our old West Seattle neighborhood, early Christmas morning 2020. No charges were ever pressed against the individuals involved. We, his family, wish to tell the world about who he was, raise awareness about his death, and pursue justice wherever we can.
Thom's Life...
It is impossible to encapsulate in writing the sheer force of energy that was Thom. It is equally impossible to describe all of the beautiful moments that he granted us. But we can hope for glimpses. Check out one of his sister's recollections HERE or his biography on the Fallen Leaves website HERE.
Thom loved good music, cars, and hanging out with friends. He received an education at South Seattle Community College, receiving ASE certifications in automotive repair. He was a true artist, creating surreal, engaging images freehand. A poet as well, he could string together a series of words you'd never dream belonged together yet somehow it worked. He was a hilarious man with a compassionate heart. Most of all, he was a loving father.
Thom also happened to battle addiction in his last few years. It was this battle that caused him to become one of the many unhoused peoples within the Seattle community. Early Christmas morning 2020, he was pushing a shopping cart in our old neighborhood when the worst happened.
and Death
2 individuals simultaneously walked out of their respective homes and directly confronted Thom. One later said, "He could have been breaking in, I don't know, but he was some place where he wasn't supposed to be." (In fact, we know from video evidence that Thom never attempted to break in at any point.) Thom tried to leave the area and was further confronted when they grabbed his shopping cart and toppled it over, all while shouting obscenities at him. He never once yelled back at the individuals, but was subsequently tackled by them nonetheless.
The 2 men laid on top of him and compressed his body to the point where he could not breathe. He was then zip tied while he was unconscious and dying. Still they stayed on top of him. Thom would never wake again.
His death was ruled a HOMICIDE by the King County Medical Examiner's office. He suffered "anoxic encephalopathy due to compressional asphyxia due to physical restraint." Yet, no charges were filed.
Justice
Thom's son always had the unwavering faith of a child that his father would get better. That hope was obliterated in an instant when these individuals chose fear and aggression over compassion.
Recently, the Seattle Police Department released video of the incident leading to Thom's death. The video evidence directly contradicts statements made by the individuals who caused his death.
We want justice.
We want the King County Prosecuting Attorney to re-examine the evidence and press charges immediately.
Leaf of Remembrance
3rd and Pine
Ever wonder what those leaves are that you find on the sidewalk downtown? They are part of a uniquely Seattle project to remember people who died in King County who were unhoused. Thom's leaf is located on 3rd and Pine, a location often left neglected by the community. We chose this spot because Thom embraced everyone without judgment and was a friend to all. We hope to honor that spirit with a leaf in his remembrance.
Homeless Remembrance Project
That's a pretty cool project! Who does that? "The Homeless Remembrance Project is a homeless-led, community building movement nurturing connections among people—homeless and housed, living and dead. Since 2003, the Homeless Remembrance Project—a collaborative effort of homeless women, faith community leaders, designers, artists, social service providers and other friends—has worked to create places of hope, healing, and beauty to honor and remember homeless people who’ve died in King County. Our concept is twofold: the Tree of Life, in Victor Steinbrueck Park, is a sculpture with space for community gathering, hope, and healing; to recognize that we are one people, homeless and housed together, and we can end homelessness. Leaves of Remembrance on Seattle sidewalks bear the names of those who have died, and we share their stories at the site Fallen Leaves Project."
You can also find Thom's bio there!
A Message to the Community
People who don’t know, have a lot of assumptions about others who are unhoused or are generally not in the best place in their lives but these are unfair and dehumanizing oversimplifications.
Thom was a man.
He was an energetic, open hearted, fun dude. He loved walking around and exploring all this city had to offer, finding decent unknown bands, hanging out with friends, meeting interesting people and getting to know their stories.
He was a man who had a loving family, wife, son, and friends.
He had a strong work ethic, working 2 or 3 jobs sometimes.
We owned a home....
Read the entire message HERE
Join Us
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will help us continue to seek justice for Thom as well as keep his memory alive.