We have an update on Todd Boettger, the man who was robbed and left for dead in Greenwood early Tuesday morning. “He has been heavily sedated, basically a drug induced coma since the incident,” writes his younger brother Forrest Boettger in an email. But there is a glimmer of hope. “He opened his eyes for just a moment and tried to move his upper right arm as if wanting to remove the ventilator,” Forrest explains. Todd is the single father of 6-year-old Lillian, who saw her dad at the Harborview ICU after the attack. “I don’t want to go back, it doesn’t look like Daddy!” she exclaimed.
The Boettger family, who sent us these photos, wants to know the identity of a woman who was seen attending to Todd on Greenwood Ave. near 85th after the attack. “This woman has disappeared but was seen kneeling down next to my brother,” Forrest says. “She was in her mid to late 20’s with red hair, wearing a brown sweatshirt, brown khakis and tennis shoes.” The family is hoping she witnessed the attack and can help police with the investigation.
If you’d like to help, the family has set up the “Todd Boettger Relief Fund,” where you can donate at any U.S. Bank to help pay for medical bills and care for Lillian. “If Todd does pull through, he will need facial recontructive surgery to repair the left cruched cheek bone and left eye socket fracture and many, many months of rehabilitation,” Forrest explains.
Epilogue Books (2001 NW Market St) has set up a donation jar for those who only have spare change, a few dollars, or can’t get to the bank.
Well, all we can do is pray for him. Prayer does work sometimes folks. Does anyone know what band he is in? Maybe the music community would help out.
Is the woman considered a suspect? It kind of implies they might be?
We updated to clarify the family hopes she witnessed the attack and can help police with the investigation.
All kidding aside. This is exactly 100% why we cant have all these transients nobody knows suddenly in Ballard. I saw the same shady guy as yesterday tonight after dark. He said the same thing
“I am not going to lie to you. I just got out of jail and really need a beer.”
He is big and intimidating, with a pony tail and blondish hair. Anyone else having problems with this transient. The guy could have attacked me and there was nobody around to help me tonight. I was just walking to Safeway…
And, like this gentleman, if I gave him some money he could have attacked me. But, if I refused he could have attacked me. It very well could be what happened to the fellow. Probably not the same guy, but still….Once you take out your wallet to help out, who knows what will happen next in Ballard these days. But, when you refuse it makes them angrier. Some of these transients are huge. This man pictured here looks like he could take care of himself. Enough is enough people.
It's hard to say for certain, but this man looks like a longer-haired version of the Todd who used to be a roadie for my band twenty years ago. I'm wracking my brain trying to remember his last name. All I do remember is he was a real card, always kept us in stitches with his antics, a very positive-attitude fellow. Whether it's the same person or not, this story is tragic. He's a single father to that little girl.
Here's more background on Todd, provided by the family:
“Todd was born in Seattle on July 3 1964 to the parents of Samuel Boettger and LouEllen Boettger both of whom attended Ballard High School. Todd attended school at greenwood elementary before moving to Raininer Oregon for middle and high school. The eldest o 3 Todd has a younger brother Forrest who lives in San Diego and his youngest Sister Danielle. As he grew he found a love for music and singing and followed that dream of his singing in the choir and jazz choirs in middle and high school and also into his adult years singing in bands in and local clubs throughout the Seattle Area. Todd has sang in the band Bad Karma and most recently, until now, Morris Can Fly which both have played in many of Seattles local clubs. If you havent seen Todd sing in a band you may have seen him sing at The Rickshaw on 105th and Greenwood singing like a true rockstar. He has an amazing talent. In 2003 Todd had his daughter Lillian, which is the joy of his life. He gianed full custody and became a single father working to support his daughter and care for her full time. Working in the hardwood floor industry Todd was injured on the job and had to quit working in 2006 and had to have 2 surgeries on his low back in 2007 to try to alieviate the pain from psiatica. Todd is a woderful loving kind man who would do whatever he could for anyone. He is outgoing and social and has many wonderful friends and family members who all want Todd to recover.”
Well, someone is going to have to solve this crime problem around here. Remember the guy with a box cutter swinging it around in two Ballard ave bars a few weeks back? The fist fights in Bergen Park too? Someone else is going to end up like this, but we are given a phone number for officer Haag and told to basically keep our traps shut because of budget cuts. I would guess this man did nothing to provoke any attack. This neighborhood is getting more dangerous by the day. Trust me, I have been here a long time.
If I am understanding correctly, somebody ran into Yen Wor Garden after finding the victim in the street. Is this the woman you are looking for? If so, the bar has security cameras that might have pictures of her.
“Enough is enough?” So what do you propose as a solution to the problem? I would love to see an end to homelessness in Seattle. So would a lot of homeless people.
This is horrible. Get well soon. That poor little girl. please be sensitive when leaving your comments.
How about not repeating the same thing after every other post?
I didn't realize he had full custody…
who was watching the little girl while he was out bar hoppin'?
I refute that this neighborhood is getting more dangerous.
you just hear about it more because of blogs like this.
and I've been here even longer.
So, because he's a single father he couldn't have had family watch his child or have hired a babysitter so he could have a night off? Being a single parent (male or female) is hard…saying things like that infers that he is a bad parent and that he deserved what he got. Not cool.
FORREST …
I got your e-mails, but it wouldn't send your regular e-mail address to me. Please e-mail me directly at angelatini@hotmail.com
Thank you.
My husband and I have *gasp* friends and babysitters who sometimes look after our daughter while we go out at night. Please quit questioning this man's commitment to his daughter because he was at a bar!
This breaks my heart. I'll be dropping by US Bank soon.
Thank you so much for updating us readers on Todd. Please keep us posted and know that we do care. I am so sorry for this! It really blows my mind and makes me cry at the same time. After I get paid today, I will be depositing what little I can afford to try to help out.
The best to your family and hang in there. If you can at all, try to be positive. It can really help at times like these! My prayers are with you.
I'm just curious and infer nothing.
putting (words) into people's mouth–> not cool.
now that you mention it angelatini…
I am all for single-parents taking a night off. god knows they need it.
however, closing a bar in a known trouble area could be classified as 'risky'. this guy certainly did not ask for or deserve to get beat, but even 'taking time off' should be done in a responsible manner especially with a dependant involved.
I don't know or really care if he was looking for drugs or other. there's plenty of parents (including myself) that look to alter their conciousness at times. however, there's better venues to do so than the shady parking lot of some dive bar.
:(
I used the word “infer”, that doesn't put words into your mouth.
Wow, judgement much? I actually know Todd, so I'll thank you to keep your further thoughts to yourself. At the very least don't direct them at me.
In addition you refute your own words between posts:
“I refute that this neighborhood is getting more dangerous.
you just hear about it more because of blogs like this.”
then
“however, closing a bar in a known trouble area could be classified as 'risky'.”
Which is it?
My thoughts are with Todd, his family, and especially his little girl. Fight through this buddy!
Jesus, that beating sounds brutal. I hope he pulls through. Imagine yourself being a 6 year old girl and seeing your father lying like this in a hospital bed.
I hope someday, somewhere, someone hands those perps an equal beating so they can know what it's like.
Already on that… :)
“I refute that this neighborhood is getting more dangerous.
you just hear about it more because of blogs like this.”
then
“however, closing a bar in a known trouble area could be classified as 'risky'.”
I see nothing at odds with these statements. there have always been 'risky' areas–just more or them in the old days (in my opinion).
I'm also not judging anyone. todd seems like a cool enough guy. but the fact is, if you're a dad, especially a single dad with full custody, you've got to consider your kid(s) in every situation you put yourself in. try to stay away from risky areas and all.
To all these blogger's, I expect a buck a word to hit the bank for Todd, period.
You all have plenty to say, turn it in to something useful.
And yes, it is less safe to be out at night than ever, not just in 'risky' areas.
thank you.
(that's $50)
The yen wor is a total dive. I am a mom and I have closed it down at the yen wor once or twice. I also happen to be successful and earn decent income and have a nice family. I also like to cut out once in a while with a friend, and go where drinks are strong, and the line for Karaoke is short. Yen Wor fills the bill. That doesn't mean I deserve a beating. I doubt this guy deserved this beating.
We all cut loose once in a while. Greenwood can be a lil shady, but this is rediculous.
You could be attacked, anywhere, anytime, any place, any hour.
Think about it…
DING DING!!!
We have a winner!
Who said he deserved a beating?
Is it really necessary to pot a picture of him in his hospital bed?
What's the point of that?
Lazy is the winner. Lazy wins.
Even at 10 or 11 you can get into a dangerous situation in that section of Greenwood. Is the fact he was at a bar at 1:30 all that important? From what I've heard Todd sounds like a decent guy. Please lay off the character assessment. He and his family are going through a lot right now.
I can't afford to donate much, but I'll be stopping by the US Bank today.
And thanks for that update, Geeky Swedes. I don't remember him at Rickshaw's karaoke but it's a long walk home so I usually leave early.
Silencekit is that mouthpiece piece for the Chai House and Bergen parks Meth Heads. Just ignore him. Silencekit obviously is coming from a Demonic place spritually. (also a past proponent of the Kinko's Meth House crowd)
What's the opposite of winner?
Armed robberies, felony assaults, car breakins and burglaries are all up. The neighborhood may not be completely unsafe, but it is worse than it was. The complacent attitude of s— happens is counterproductive. If people don't just put up with this kind of crime, but raise hell in response to it then maybe we'll get some attention from the city and put an end to this. Living in the city does not mean that you have to accept crime.
I honestly can't remember the last time I went to the Chai House.
Proponent of the meth crowd? What are you talking about? It's so black and white for some you scared, sad people.
And I'm not spiritual at all. I'm actually an atheist. Does that make me a demon?
Honestly, how is anyone supposed to take you seriously when you make silly comments like this?
Auto theft is down quite a bit over the last couple years due to law changes and KC breaking up some of the auto theft rings. Fewer people are reporting the car break ins because they know the SPD won't follow up and they don't want their insurance company to know about it. Thus total crime stats as a whole are down. The reality though is that the less frequent but more severe crimes of assault, armed robbery, and burglary are way up over the last 9 months and haven't even made it into the stats yet. You might feel safer because fewer cars are being stolen, but the chance of you getting mugged or burglarized is way up, though still unlikely based just on the stats. You wouldn't see the muggings before, and you probably won't witness them now either, but ask the SPD and they'll tell you that there are more serious crimes being committed in the Greenwood/Ballard areas.
Why would you take time out of your day to bash a guy on life support? My sister is a great mom, now divorced, and I love being able to give her the chance to get out for some adult time on her own without the kids. Everyone needs it now and then whether you have kids or not. Your attempt to impugn this guy's character because he was out late and has a daughter is disgusting.
the point may be to demonstrate what this man, and his family, is currently going through. I'd expect that you couldn't get that point, but don't worry, it's not the only point you can't get.
($35 more…)
You've already said he's a bad father for being out at a bar ('bar hopping' in your words), and now you accuse him of buying drugs?
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?
Lazy did. For being in a risky area, a dive bar, bar hopping, buying drugs, and being a dad out at night.
Silly comments aside, you do take the side of the criminals, as in telling everyone that we should be OK with a certain level of crime as cost of living in a city. I guess you haven't been the victim of any serious crime. If you had or lost anyone close to you from it then maybe you'd be less accepting of these crimes.
We're not a bunch of scared people. We're a bunch of people who don't rob others and don't like it when lazy scumbags think they can.
When did I ever take the side of the criminals? That's absurd.
Silencekit – you always take the same stance that there is no crime problem, no drug problem and the fact that we have dangerous transients flooding into Ballard is just peachy keen with you. Now, you are taking the same approach to this serious issue. You did not have to disclose you were are an “Athiest”, it's obvious by what you have posted in the past here. You're the same who does not want children and would never have them and claims “Ballard is not a family neighborhood”. We all remember you well.
But, this is not an issue you want to play games with here at myballard.com. This is a serious situation, so you should post on a frivolous subject in another section of the site. Not the place you're needed right now.
Personally, I feel people like your are what I classify as “Demonic” or “Spiritually Dead”, but that is only my opinion. I stay away from your type, but it's a free country, obviously.
These threads always end up the same. They go off-topic from a serious story and end up w/ pot shots, bickering, and saving face. Same ol' Same ol'.
I hope Todd's family doesn't have to read this garbage.
To a certain extent, yes, living in a city means that you have to accept crime.
Also, the attitude of “we're all going to die” or “Welcome to Greenwood, only the good die young:”that so many on here seem to take isn't helping.
Every time you attack anyone against crime, you take the side of criminals.
damn it…
(another $15)
No, it's insensitive. I wouldn't want my picture up there. It's cheap.
Reading comprehension is a very important skill.
Boardbrown
This is a spritual issue and we all need to pray for Todd.
SPG, you can call these silly comments, but remember, many of us feel we need help from a higher power now more than ever. What is going on in Ballard, to many who are spiritually aware, is in fact Evil. If you don't feel that way, fine. But, it's the truth in my view. Asking for help from 911 is great, but your silly if you call on a higher authority to help us here in Ballard?
If you don't feel crack and meth destroy a persons spirit, you know nothing about the drugs. If you don't believe there are those who are in fact Evil in Ballard, you don't understand Ballard.
i agree, boardbrown! please, please folks try to keep it on topic as his family and little girl can read and are following this thread. for the little girl's sake–try to search for some compassion. thank you, truly, thank you.
Yeah, you'd better stay away from me. I'm dangerous….
You people just don't get it.
You, essentially, called me demonic! All because I don't believe in what you believe. If what you say could offend me, I'd be offended. You don't need God to have morals and the notion is ridiculous.
So I'm clearly an atheist because I don't want kids? What? And because I said ballard isn't a family neighborhood, but a neighborhood with families and singles alike? What? How does that even come close to making sense?
Once again, you don't get it. You're not helping by running through the streets screaming that Ballard is going to hell.
I could insult you here like you did to me in the last paragraph but I'm going to turn the other cheek, take the Christian way out, and leave it be.
Oh Please! Do you drive? Any of us who get in a car are exhibiting far more risky behavior than closing up with the bar.
My best wishes to the family. And how awful for that little girl. What a nightmare.
:::gives up on reading any further comments:::
No see, this is what I was talking about. This is exaggerating.
Something like this happening is horrible and I can't understand the mentality of someone who would abuse another human being like this, but going to far as to call it evil, like Catholic evil, evil spawned from the devil, is insulting to the situation.
It's wrong. It's disgusting. It's morally reprehensible. The person needs punished.
Referring to these events as “evil,” makes it hard to take serious. Really, I'm not trying to upset anyone.
Good point, Boardbrown. No matter the subject it always veers off course into personal snipes and snarls. This is not the place for that, though.
And I know Todd's family is paying attention. So, please, have a care.
I used to host karaoke at the Rickshaw on Sunday nights. He was a decent guy. He was a really NICE guy. His family IS following this blog, as that is how I am in contact with his brother, Forrest.
STOP with the character assessment and assassination, please. Even the suggestion or inference is uncalled for and insensitive at a time and in a situation like this. Try to imagine it happened to someone you know and care for before you speak out, please.
agreed. tmi
not that i like the bickering either, i would question the responsibility of the guardian of the 6 year old to read this. but yes, kind words for the adults reading seems appropriate.
Take back our streets/Sad story indeed/Dumb question but,
If you're going to personally attack people like you did to silence.kit why don't you at least use the same name each time so we can keep track of you?
Maybe you don't realize that through disqus readers can see all your past posts, and all the different names you use.
silence.kit:
good for you! hang in there. this same absurd thing happened to me yesterday on the blog. i always post under the same name and others like to be mean and “hide” by using different names everyday.
no skin off of my back, or yours, keep up the good posting and know that your comments are appreciated by some!
:)
that is really cool that Epilogue Books is joining in to help with Todd!! I think any spare penny will probably help the family, so please try to stop by if you possibly can.
(Most of) you guys in ballard seem to really have a great heart and i Pray that nothing ever happens to me, but, if it did i would definatley want the “myballard” folks to be there as you all seem to try to be for others. It makes me proud to be a part of ballard.
That is beyond horrible. I'm sending him all the healing juju I can muster. I know what it means to be a single father with kids depending on you, and to have a tragedy like this befall you is like getting kicked in the gut by the Universe.
I hope they catch the perp(s).
You can certainly count on me Jules…when I'm done crying ;-(
I look forward to your posts, always.
chopper out
($20, and now broke)
thanks. REALLY cool idea about a dollar for every word posted on his blog spot. really neat thinking on your part! have a super weekend and enjoy the sun!
I plan to enjoy some jazz too ;-)
(shoot, rain check for $7)
What Bar was he leaving when this happened? Must have been the Baranoff or the Crosswalk, it would be a great gesture if they would offer to donate the profits from a Saturday night Todd's family. Is anyone on this blog in a band that would consider playing at a coffee shop (the Green Bean or Neptune) or bar in that area and donating the cover charge?
My brother sings for Morris Can Fly
Well Lazy, I would like to inform you and everyone else Todd had a nanny watching his daughter. I did not realize you could be judged for taking incredible care of your child, what judge in his right mind would give full custody to a f#*ked up father? Seems like the judge actually got to know my brother unlike you you mean nasty excuse for a human. With the banter you spew maybe the next vitim will be you or your loved ones, which I pray would NEVER happen to anyone even your judging self.
Like it or not, Evil does exist. It has nothing to do with Catholics or any other religion. It may not be the hip thing to say in Seattle, but I beleive it to be true, based on personal experience. If you don't want to believe it, I wish you the best of luck. You'll need it.
That guy has been hanging around outside the Chai House with thugs all afternoon. One the pay phone and milling around. Just an update on the creep and his newly formed posse of
“Just got out of Jail, and could really use a beer.” He has a pony tail and looks just under 6' sorta a big build. With a black dude with an afro.
there are events tonight as every Friday in the hood.
Some problems can't be solved with yet another fundraiser.
That would be nice, that would be good.
please come out and walk with us.
haiku
It makes me feel good
When life makes no sense to me
To dance with the crowd
To clarify from my point of view, absolutley NOT, we just want to know if she saw anything. If she reads this please at least tell us what you saw. There is a Todd Boettger Relief Fund and you can donate at any US Bank.
Forrest Boettger, little bro
Thank you so much for being kind to my brother, this has ripped my heart to pieces.
Namaste-
Forrest Boettger, little bro
Thank you for your kind words and for caring.
Namaste-
Forrest Boettger, little bro
You are a really mean person to imply drugs, irresponsibiliy or any other negative comment when my brother was found on a sidewalk, which the last time I recall was supposed to be were one walks in the city. Instead of trying to alter your conciousness, maybe you should walk a mile in a mans shoes or maybe get to know him befor you say so many mean things. I bet its tough to be you every day after day after day. BULLY!
Namaste-
Forrest Boettger, little bro
Hey Forrest,
I hope Todd is doing better today.
Namaste to your family.
The Picture was given by me, his brother, to show what has happened to my brother. To bring awareness to your community that there is a problem………..A SERIOUS FUCKING PROBLEM………….LOOK AT THAT PHOTO AGAIN, DO YOU SEE THE PROBLEM YET!!!! This is all I can do from San Diego, but if that photo helps one person to remember that even if you just had the greatest time and you are laughing out the door. By the way as cheap as you think this is buddy its also very real to me and all of my family.
The sad part is is that I am reading everyone,,,WOW!
Im so glad this last comment was kind I dont know how much more mean stuff I can read.. I just want to help my brother and his daughter. Thank you for your kindness.
Namaste-
Forrest Boettger, little bro
Forrest and friends of Todd, don't let the silliness in these comments get to you, at all. None of them know him, know anything about him, and are all caught up in their own dramas. Sometimes the only emotional defense against a scary world is to make a victim into “the other” — then anything that happens to them can't possibly happen to you. Well, it may be an effective denial strategy, but it's pretty ugly to watch.
I just found out not only is Epilogue putting out a collection jar, but 10% of their weekend sales goes to the fund as well, so I'll definitely be stopping by. My best to your brother and your family.
I unfortunately don't have a ton of cash to spare to help, but if a babysitter is ever needed, meals cooked, anything like that, I'd be more than happy to help.
Forrest,
I am wishing the best for Todd. I do not know him personally, but from reading the mostly positive posts here, he has many friends who think well of him. And of course, his lovely daughter.
At Harborview, Todd is in amazing and talented hands. Two years ago a friend of mine suffered a severe head injury and was taken to Harborview in really bad shape. The Harborview staff pulled him through in spite of what looked like life threatening injuries. I hope that they are able to pull off another one of their miracles for Todd. Please consider setting up a Caringbridge account, so that you can post updates on Todd's condition on your terms.
I've actually hung out at the playground with this man and his daughter. I didn't put it together until this post mentioning his daughter's name which is similar to mine and she and I have discussed this a couple of times. He's a really nice person and a very caring father. I do hope Harborview does for him what they've pulled off for a previous poster's friend.
The way it was written originally was a weebit confusing and sort of implied she was a possible suspect. The geeky swedes changed it a bit so it is less confusing.
I hope they find those responsible for this. Ignore the internet drama below.
Then there are the ICU caregivers who are taking care of Todd 24/7, seeing the family members and shaking their heads at the waste. Terrible and tragic. They see it all from accidents to this. They are there today, right now, this second, holidays, nights and week-ends. Todd is in good care.
NO. Living in a city does not mean you have to accept crime. That doesn't mean that it won't happen, but just accepting it and saying s— happens is part of the problem. Crime is unacceptable. period.
Forrest, My thoughts are with you and your family. I hope that my comments and replies that perhaps took things off topic from Todd to the discussion of crime on our streets wasn't disrespectful. I hope all the best for a quick recovery for your brother and only hope that this doesn't happen to anyone else.
I'll refrain from further posting on this thread, so we can leave room for more people to post their best wishes and positive thoughts.
Forrest, sorry, there's no words to describe how despicable some of these folks can be. It has to be tough to read all this crap.
Our prayers, and whatever support we can provide will be there for your brother. Most of Ballard and it's people are incredible, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, but just like any other place, we've got tough issues to confront. Some folks need to wake up, I wish it were sooner than later…but I do what I can meanwhile.
Thanks for being a part of the discussion, I think it helps, tho, I wouldn't wish for you do have to defend your big brother like this.
I hope you find some peace in this. (tell your brother to fight, he hears you) imho.
What a horrible thing to say about someone you don't know at all. Everyone needs a night off/out once in a while. Single parents, non-single parents – you have no idea if he was bar-hopping or in a band or anything. I'm a married mom to a little boy and there's this thing called a babysitter or grandparent and you get to go out . . . does that make me a bad mom? If so, I'll claim that title.
(((((GREAT BIG HUGS))))) to Todd and his family.
I appreciate you defending my brother, as he can not defened himself at the moment. I find it amazing at the lack of compassion some floks have and the judgement thrown around by people who have never met Todd. I hope “Lazy” never has this happen to him/her cruel self, I would hate for her/him to have to read such trash during such a hard time for their family. So thank you.
Namaste-
Forrest Boettger, little bro
I hope that you will ignore all of the negative people on this site, Forrest, and continue to give us updates of Todd's progress. You must feel terribly helpless down there in San Diego, and I hope that you know that the vast majority of people are praying and sending their good thoughts to your family and to Todd for a swift recovery.
Namaste
I stand by my position. No one's saying that it isn't tragic, I just don't think the picture is in good taste. I apologize if that offends you, Forrest.
Evil is an inherently religious concept.
Lot's of these posters are mentally ill transients and criminals posting from the Ballard Library. Ignore them. They have an agenda to keep the crime alive, because it's how they make their livings. Some are sociopaths, which makes it impossible for them to feel what normal folks do. It how they can sleep nights after doing this, breaking into our cars, harrasing us and ruining the Ballard we once knew. Blame the soup kitchens and Food Bank, who lure then here, but do nothing to assist in this crime explosion.
Wow. You're something else.
Oh, this is SilentKit – The official spokesman for the pay phone community. They sorta push him up frount to run interference, because he has a hot laptop and can sign on from The Chai House in between hackysack games.
And I don't think your continuing to “stand by your position” is in good taste. Just sayin'.
How's the “Black Helicopter Operations” going? Bust any bad guys, yet?
Honestly, grow up.
To Forrest and family –
Please ignore postings by silence.kit and lazy along with some others. These are just trolls. There is real compassion and community here and we are thinking of Todd, you and your family. So sorry for this tragedy. Hoping and praying…
So I'm a “troll” because of a differing opinion?
And of course I wish Todd a speedy recovery. I'm sure everyone does.
People on this blog are…odd.