Under the Chehalis River Bridge

On April 8, 2000, sixteen-year-old Daryn C. Tolle left a Friday night “Rock & Bowl” dance in Aberdeen, Washington. A harmless tradition among friends turned tragic when he walked home alone and was found brutally stabbed under the Chehalis River bridge. Known as an “all-American” student with a quick sense of humor and no known enemies, Daryn’s death shocked a town that hadn’t seen a teen homicide in over 15 years.Within days, police arrested two men. Dionicio J. Russell confessed to the stabbing—claiming he didn’t know why he did it—while his friend, Matthew Christian, admitted to helping afterward. In October 2000, Russell was sentenced to 30 years in prison and remains incarcerated today at Monroe Correctional Complex. Christian served one year for aiding the crime.This episode explores the timeline of that night, the investigation, courtroom proceedings, and the grief-stricken response of the Aberdeen community. Through archival news reports, community recollections, and reflective narration, we examine how a single night’s small change of plans can ripple out with life-altering consequences.Sources UsedMan sentenced in slaying of Aberdeen teen, The Seattle Times, Oct 19, 2000 — crime details, trial, sentencing (link)Aberdeen Washington History Facebook Group — community reactions and local insight (link)Aberdeen Daily World archives, April 2000 — initial reporting and police statementsPolice seek motive in Aberdeen boy’s slaying, Seattle Times, Apr 10, 2000 (link)2 held in slaying of Aberdeen teen, Seattle Times, Apr 14, 2000 (link)Man sentenced in slaying of Aberdeen teen, Seattle Times, Oct 19, 2000 (link)