Vancouver man, friend found guilty in murder of man’s grandmother

VANCOUVER, Wash. (KPTV) - A Clark County jury found a Vancouver man and his friend guilty in the murder of the man’s 78-year-old grandmother. Prosecutors say the woman was killed as part of a scheme to inherit her estate.

On Oct. 8, 2024, Patricia Jimerfield was found dead from strangulation inside her Lakeshore-area home.

Investigators used cellphone data to place Jimerfield’s grandson, Jordan Sullivan, and his friend, Alyssa Williams, at the home around the time of her death.

Prosecutors say the pair stole from Jimerfield and drained her bank card before killing her in an attempt to cash in on her estate.

On Tuesday, a Clark County Superior Court jury convicted Sullivan and Williams of first-degree murder and second-degree theft

“It is terrifying that it’s a family member that was found guilty, but I am very happy with the justice system that they have given us that kind of closure and justice for my grandma,” said Alyssa Bates, Jimerfield’s granddaughter and Sullivan’s cousin.

Bates said the verdict is a relief, but the case has been devastating for their family.

She hopes her grandmother’s legacy doesn’t get lost in the tragedy.

Bates said Jimerfield was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She worked as a nurse for many years, but Bates said what she admired most about her grandmother was her honesty.

“She was never afraid to tell you what she thought, whether it was going to hurt your feelings or not,” Bates said. “I hope that just the positivity of what she left behind continues on.”

According to the Clark County Clerk’s Office, the sentencing hearing for the defendants was originally scheduled for Oct. 12, but that date will likely be changed.

Bates said she wants her cousin to be sentenced to the fullest extent of the law.