Allegations of Murder and Animal Sacrifice in Washington Gang Case

Brandon Gerner, 42, the founder of the Omerta White Supremacist Prison Gang, is currently on trial for a double murder and first-degree animal cruelty in Washington. Gerner is accused of conspiring with fellow gang member Kody Olsen, 45, to kill Robert Riley, 57, and Ashley Williams, 34, during a drug deal that allegedly went awry on November 16, 2023. Following Olsen's death in a police shootout shortly after the alleged murders, Gerner reportedly slaughtered a horse named LeMon as a ritual sacrifice, believing it would allow Olsen to ride into Valhalla, the Norse afterlife for warriors.

Washington gang member sacrificed horse in bizarre ritual so murdered pal could ‘ride it into the Valhalla’Gang sacrificed horse so murdered member would have 'steed to ride into Valhalla', court told

The bodies of Riley and Williams were discovered under a blue tarp, with evidence indicating they had been shot and stabbed. Williams suffered over 20 stab wounds, while Riley had a gunshot wound to his collarbone. Witness accounts suggest that the violence erupted when Riley pulled a gun during the drug deal. Gerner is alleged to have shot Riley and subsequently instructed Olsen to kill Williams to eliminate her as a witness. Joshua Jones, another associate, pleaded guilty to charges related to assisting in the disposal of the bodies.

Gang sacrificed horse so murdered member would have 'steed to ride into Valhalla', court toldWashington gang member sacrificed horse in bizarre ritual so murdered pal could ‘ride it into the Valhalla’

Gerner's act of killing LeMon has drawn significant attention. According to court documents, the horse was shot in the face and did not die immediately, wandering around before succumbing to its injuries. Gerner claimed the act was a sacrifice to Odin, the Norse god of death, to honor Olsen. The horse's owner, Karen Greer, expressed her horror at the senseless killing, stating, "I found him in the morning just lying out dead, and I’ll never get that out of my head."

Washington gang member sacrificed horse in bizarre ritual so murdered pal could ‘ride it into the Valhalla’

Gerner faces multiple charges, including premeditated murder and first-degree animal cruelty. His defense attorney, Lisa Mulligan, contends that Gerner is not guilty of the murders, arguing that Olsen acted independently when he shot Riley. Mulligan acknowledged Gerner's poor judgment in helping to dispose of the bodies but maintained that he should not be held responsible for the killings.

Gang sacrificed horse so murdered member would have 'steed to ride into Valhalla', court toldWashington gang member sacrificed horse in bizarre ritual so murdered pal could ‘ride it into the Valhalla’

The case has sparked outrage within the community, particularly regarding the brutal nature of the crimes and the ritualistic killing of LeMon. Fred Greer, the horse's owner, described the double murder as "horrific" and emphasized the beloved status of LeMon in their community. The involvement of white supremacist ideologies in the case has also raised concerns about the influence of such groups in the region.

Washington gang member sacrificed horse in bizarre ritual so murdered pal could ‘ride it into the Valhalla’

While the police reports detail the events leading to the murders and the subsequent horse sacrifice, there are discrepancies regarding the exact sequence of actions taken by Gerner and Olsen. Additionally, the motivations behind the drug deal gone wrong remain partially unclear, with varying accounts from witnesses.

Washington gang member sacrificed horse in bizarre ritual so murdered pal could ‘ride it into the Valhalla’

• “He (Lemon) was killed in the most senseless way possible,” — Delanie Greer-Breakall, Daughter of the Horse Owner

Washington gang member sacrificed horse in bizarre ritual so murdered pal could ‘ride it into the Valhalla’

• “'In this case, fate has already punished the real killer of Ashley and Robert.” — Lisa Mulligan, Defense Attorney

Gang sacrificed horse so murdered member would have 'steed to ride into Valhalla', court told

This case continues to unfold as the trial progresses, with significant implications for the individuals involved and the broader community.

Gang sacrificed horse so murdered member would have 'steed to ride into Valhalla', court told