Holiday murders grief remains fresh

Every holiday season, two horrific anniversaries separated by seven days awaken painful memories for two sets of Clallam County families and friends.

Those close to the four murdered Clallam County residents said recently they continue to feel heartbreak and loss.

Darrell Iverson, 57; his son Jordan Iverson, 27; and Jordan’s girlfriend Tiffany May, 26, were found shot to death New Year’s Eve on Darrell Iverson’s property east of Port Angeles. Dennis Marvin Bauer, 52, faces a March 15 trial on three counts of aggravated first-degree murder.

Investigators determined they were murdered Dec. 26, 2018.

“My family is strong, and we have a strong support group, and we are doing OK,” said Wendy Peterson, who along with her husband found the bodies of her brother, Darrell; her nephew, Jordan, and Tiffany.

“It’s still a very emotional time.

“Losing my baby brother was really tough.”

Peterson, who heads the Clallam County jail as chief corrections deputy, said this year was easier than 2019 but not enough to make a big difference.

“My dad is 87 years old, and it’s been extremely tough on him,” she said.

The family, she said, might as well “be strong and try to keep the memory of big brother and nephew in a positive light,” she said.

“It just goes to show you it can happen to anybody.”

Valerie A. Claplanhoo’s body was found in her Sequim apartment Jan. 2, 2019, killed by someone wielding a sharp object who remains at large — but she is present in the thoughts of her sister, Cindy Lee Claplanhoo, every time the Neah Bay resident visits Sequim or Port Angeles.

“I go there knowing the person who done that, he could be standing right next to me,” she said.

Valerie was remembered by scores of people during a frigid yet warm outdoor memorial service soon after she was killed. They recalled her generosity and motherly nature, saying she was a friend to all, skillful at needlepoint and an avid reader of J.A. Jance, a mystery writer she had met twice.

Cindy recalled that Valerie’s star was rising, pushed upward by a two-month anniversary on Dec. 31, 2018, of being sober and drug-free.

“She was doing really well,” she said of her sister, who had three children and two other sisters.

“Everything was shifting,” Cindy said.

“She was no longer around all of her old friends and she was making new friends, and they seemed like good people.”

When she died, her 57th birthday had just arrived Dec. 30. The sisters planned to celebrate together a few days later. Cindy’s birthday is Jan. 5.

“I was really hopeful that this time she would do good and that she would be healthy,” Cindy said.

“To me, she was making such good progress in her life.

“I haven’t let go.”

Rebecca Ruby, who like Valerie lives at the Sunbelt Apartments, misses decorating the facility for the holidays.

She said the residents have a hard time talking about Valerie and are wary of visitors they don’t recognize.

They aren’t shy about asking for names.

“We had a frigging murder here, of course we want to know who you are coming in here,” Ruby said.

Claplanhoo’s murder “just lingers with everyone,” she added.

“It would comfort people if the person who did this was caught.”

________

Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.