MAN ROBS LAUNDROMAT

Police are looking for a man who robbed a Laundromat on Jan. 23. Tops Laundry, in the 5400 block of South Sheridan Avenue, had closed for the day and the door was locked. The suspect knocked on the door and asked an employee for change. When the worker unlocked the door, the suspect pulled a knife and demanded money. He fled with cash from the business and the employee's purse. The suspect is described as white, in his 20s, about 5 feet 9 with a slender build. He had a goatee and long brown hair in a ponytail. He was wearing a dark jacket, dark knit cap, gloves and white shoes. Tacoma/Pierce Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and charges filed in the case. Tips can be reported by calling (253) 591-5959.

HUSBAND CHARGED WITH WIFE'S MURDER

On Jan. 20 David Albert Ramirez was charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Sandra Ramirez. Her body was found in October 1991 in a burned-out garage of a home in the 100 block of South 64th Street. According to court documents, police had been to the home a few hours earlier because of vandalism of the garage.

The Ramirez couple and their children lived in the house. Another man and his children lived in the garage. Several witnesses told officers that Ramirez had assaulted his wife and the other man. The two victims were bleeding. They declined medical attention.

Ramirez was not home while officers were present. They returned three hours later when neighbors called with concerns about his wife's safety as they had heard Ramirez threaten to kill her. Officers discovered signs of a struggle in the house and the garage on fire. After firefighters put out the fire, the body was found.

The fire was determined to be arson. The medical examiner determined the wife was alive when the fire started and ruled her death a homicide. She suffered severe burns and breathed noxious fumes. Detectives questioned Ramirez. He claimed to be with relatives at the time of the fire. The man who lived in the garage was in the hospital and was eliminated as a suspect.

Last month Ramirez told his son, his current wife and a friend that he killed his former wife, court documents state. Detectives learned of this statement. Ramirez reportedly attempted suicide. He was released from a hospital on Jan. 18 and was interviewed by detectives. He allegedly admitted to starting the fire and was arrested. Ramirez was ordered held in jail in lieu of $1.5 million bail.