Police seek public's help in search for fugitive

OKANOGAN — Sheriff's offices in two counties say they are asking the public for any tips that may lead to the whereabouts of a Seattle man accused of fatally shooting a prominent Seattle-area sound engineer.

Kino Michael Gomez, 51, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Tom Pfaeffle, 49, who worked on sound engineering for musicians such as B.B. King, Alice Cooper, Nirvana and others.

Gomez disappeared after posting bail of $100,000, leaving behind a note saying he would rather die than lose his freedom.

Police say Gomez shot Pfaeffle through a motel-room door in Twisp, Okanogan County, on July 17 because the 51-year-old mistakenly thought someone was trying to break in. Police say Pfaeffle put his key in wrong room door.

Sheriff's offices in King and Okanogan counties say they are asking the public for tips on Gomez's whereabouts. Gomez lived in King County, and the shooting happened in Okanogan.

Okanogan County sheriff Frank Rogers said Thursday that investigators don't have a place to key on yet and that they're just getting the word out.