Notorious animal abuser on the run after cutting off ankle monitor
SEATTLE — David Williford, a man with a notorious history of animal abuse and child sex crimes, is on the run after cutting off his ankle monitor.
Williford, who was recently sentenced to home arrest for incest, was last seen on May 5 in West Seattle’s North Admiral neighborhood.
“He needs to be scooped up quickly. Before he does a last hurrah or before he knows people are looking for him. When he cut that ankle bracelet off, he knew people would be looking for him,” said Jim Fuda, Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound.
KOMO News has reported on Williford for a decade. In 2015, he faced six counts of animal abuse, with prosecutors alleging he methodically tortured animals for entertainment. That same year, he was also charged with child rape and child molestation.
On April 29, Williford was sentenced to home arrest and ordered to stay with his mother. However, just six days later, he removed his ankle bracelet. Authorities were alerted and responded within 40 minutes, but Williford had already fled.
The Washington Department of Corrections has referred the case to a specialized unit focused on fugitive captures and high-risk arrests. Crime Stoppers is also involved in the search. They urge anyone with information on Williford’s whereabouts to contact them immediately, reminding the public that tips can be given anonymously.
A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to his arrest.