Man killed in Yakima had shoe exhibit, shared it with Action News
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YAKIMA, Wash. -- Police identified the man found dead in a Yakima parking lot as David Lee Childs. He was a 70-year-old man who police said lived in Yakima his whole life.
Childs appeared on Action News several times back in 2011. He made headlines with his collection of more than 600 pair of shoes that went on display at the Yakima Valley Museum.
He told KIMA he began collecting high heels back in the 1960s. The exhibit featured styles from across the century. It was on display through the end of 2011.
Authorities do not have any suspects, but they are pursuing leads on the case.
Yakima County Coroner Jack Hawkins, who performed the autopsy, said Childs died of a combination of head and neck trauma and puncture wounds. It's unclear what caused the puncture wounds - they were not from a knife or a needle.
Police were able to identify the man with help from the coroner. Hawkins found the victim's name inscribed on his partial dentures. He also found a car key in the man's pocket.
Police later found the victim's car in the area where his body was found. They used the license plate from the car to get a photo of the registered owner. That photo matched the victim.
Officials are not yet releasing any further information.
awe he was a regular in the buffet :( always had a book to read
I remember him as a salesman for Nordstroms for years. I loved his exhibit at the Yakima Museum. Very sad.
I worked with Dave at Nordstrom. He was a very kind, gentle and funny man. Always helpful and respectful. I can not imagine anyone wanting to harm him. I pray they find the people that did this and that they are brought to justice. My thoughts and prayers are with Dave's family and close friends. This is such a tragedy to lose such a great man!!
Was a great customer at the dry cleaners, such a sweet man
May you rest in peace Mr. shoe man:-)
That's where I know him from Nordsrom, he was so nice.
Such a sad thing...I went to the museum to see his exhibit and talked to him at that time...he was very nice !! RIP ..
So sad. I hope they catch the uglies that did this to him.
Wow very sad! I also worked with Dave at Nordstrom. Very nice man and as Phil Brown said good sense of humor. Last May we took our kids to his display at the museum and talked with him there, excellent collection, great work. Pray the authorities catch these sick people that did this crime.
I think I worked with him at Nordstrom. Nice guy, good sense of humor. RIP.
A Gentle Man and a Gentleman. What a loss. There are no words........... Sincere condolences to his family.
That is so very very sad, and a mournful indictment of the times we live in.
I remember him from the Casino. He was such a nice man. May he RIP.
Yes he'd be at casino with his book like everyday :(
Are they sure this isn't a hate crime. If so they should throw the book at them whoever did this.
Used to see him downtown and in the mall
A kind soul. Rest in peace.
rip what a horriable thing to happen they will bring justice to those who done this
Rip. May God comfort your family and welcome you into his kingdom. Will be praying for your family at this difficult time.
:( So sorry!
:( so sad! He will be missed!
Doreen Veitenheimer did this guy shop our store a lot?
He was such a kind, kind man, and a fellow member of the Yakima Symphony Chorus. He will be sorely missed. What a tragic loss for his family and our whole community.
Didn't he used to sit at the casino and do crosswords all the time
So sad. Dave was also a very well known salesman for Nordstrom. He was a whiz about shoes and had some very rare shoes in his collection. He was a true gem to visit with..I hope YPD figures out who did this! RIP David Childs
He was a friend of one of my dear friends. I saw his exhibit at the museum and took friends to see it. I met him once. He seemed like a nice guy. So sorry for his family. :(
Very sad, good looking man, may he rest in peace!
What a loss, and so horrible.
oh my, he was a nice man. Remember the acticle in the paper about his shoe collection and at the warehouse theater. So very sad!
I am devastated to near of this tragedy.
He looks familiar, where have I seen him
Mr. Childs was the nicest man I knew. He always came into the bank with a smile on his face. Such a tragedy.
RIP.....fond memories of wokring with Dave at Nordstrom in Yakima.
R.i.p. Poor man. :( may his killers rot in hell!!
This is really sad we took our residents to see that collection it was really cool!!
I worked with him at Nordstrom years ago...nice man. Certainly he did not deserve this!! RIP
Probably some dumb little thugs trying to prove a point to their friends.. really sad
What Is wrong with people. How could someone take the life of a man like this. Its discusting and saddening. ;/ I hope they find the person or people who did this. R.I.P
Took my kids to the museum to see his shoe collection last summer. This is very sad.
You will be missed David. You were such a kind man. So tragic. I hope they find who did this to you?
Amy Allen - He has a brother, I don't think they're twins. His brother was my 10th Grade teacher. I, too, remember him from his years and years at Nordstroms in the shoe dept in Yakima. He was an excellent salesman. My mother would only go to him.
Why would somebody kill this man.. Messed up!
Rest in peace.
thank u teresa i seen the videos of hes collection crazy hes no longer here
this is horrible....I worked with Dave at Nordstrom for years.....he was a very nice man:(
my prayers to the family and friends!
I'm so sad too hear this..
A wonderful person, such a loss to Yakima, his friends and family. My sympathy goes to all.
so sorry...so much sadness
I remember the story kima did on this man a sad day indeed