I first met Doug Ostling in 1978. We were students at Commodore William Bainbridge Middle School and Bainbridge High School. Unlike most of our mutual friends, I also knew Doug when he contracted schizophrenia in 1989.

We met many times on the ferry throughout the 1990s and for the last time in 2008.

He mentioned auditory hallucinations and told me about some of his delusions.

Doug’s health situation never deteriorated visibly, even though his mental illness persisted.

He was well-groomed and neatly attired. I never once felt afraid of Doug. The violent behavior ascribed to him in the Kitsap Sun and Seattle Times does not ring true.

Doug’s parents and sister, Tami, were present on the night of his tragedy. They contradict everything reported to local media by the authorities. The Ostling family deserves a thorough, independent inquiry.

Thank you for your consideration

Birke Raymond Duncan

Poulsbo