A violent attack in downtown Seattle left a 75-year-old woman permanently blind in one eye after she was struck in the face by a trans-identifying repeat offender armed with a wooden plank.
The suspect, 42-year-old Fale Vaigalepa Pea, has a lengthy criminal history, prompting concerns about how Seattle handles violent repeat offenders.
The incident occurred earlier this month near the King County Courthouse, where Jeanette Marken had just picked up a food order.
Surveillance footage shows Pea approaching Marken from behind and swinging a wooden board reinforced with screws and bolts directly at her face.
Bystanders rushed to assist as Marken fell to the ground, bleeding heavily. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Marken’s family confirmed the attack left her permanently blind in the right eye.
“She remembers the shock, the pain, the fear of suddenly not being able to see,” said her son, Andrius Dyrikis, on a GoFundMe page set up for medical expenses.
“Strangers, people I will always be grateful for, rushed to help her, but she could only hear their voices. At the hospital, we learned she had multiple fractures in her face, skull, and nose… and the damage to her right eye was permanent. She will never see from that eye again.”
Dyrikis added that the assault also robbed Marken of her independence.
“For a woman who worked every day to support herself and her family, this attack took more than her health. It stole her independence, her ability to work, and the sense of safety she once had. Even the simplest tasks are difficult now,” he said.
Pea’s criminal record is extensive. Court and police records show he has been booked eight times this year alone for assault, unlawful use of weapons, property destruction and indecent exposure.
Court records list Pea as a man, though his defense attorney referred to him using she/her pronouns in court last week, which was highlighted by the X account LibsofTikTok.
Previous assaults in 2011 resulted in only 18 months of community custody, despite Pea stabbing two individuals, one victim eight times.
Previous violent incidents include two stabbing attacks in 2011, in which one victim was stabbed eight times, yet Pea received only 18 months of community custody.
Police bodycam footage captured officers detaining Pea following the Marken attack.
One officer can be heard remarking, “Is that Fale Pea? He’s notorious for random assaults on Third [Avenue].”
Another officer told emergency personnel, “He’s a regular. He usually punches. I guess today he decided to escalate from his usual.”
Authorities have charged Pea with assault in connection with Marken’s injuries.
According to the New York Post, city records indicate that, despite his repeated offenses, prior arrests rarely led to felony charges.
The victim’s family has voiced frustration over what they see as a lenient criminal justice system that leaves dangerous individuals on the streets.
Marken sustained multiple facial fractures, and her right eye was irreparably damaged. Seattle law enforcement continues to investigate the incident and review Pea’s criminal history.
Officials have not announced if additional charges will be filed. Meanwhile, Marken’s family and the community are rallying to support her medical care and long-term recovery.
The case has drawn national attention and reignited debates over repeat offender policies, public safety and accountability in urban areas, particularly regarding individuals with extensive histories of mental health issues and violent behavior who remain free to harm others.
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