At a last-minute hearing in Clallam County Superior Court yesterday, Patrick Boyd Drum, 34, of Sequim, pleaded guilty to all charges stemming from a June double murder.

Drum shot and killed Gary Lee Blanton Jr., 28, and Jerry Wayne Ray, 55, before fleeing four miles up Blue Mountain Road and eluding law enforcement for several hours June 3.

In a court hearing June 28 Drum told Judge Ken Williams he wanted to represent himself because he "stood up for a belief and the attorneys don't have the same belief."

Blanton and Ray were both registered sex offenders and Drum told Sheriff's deputies that is why he killed them, according to court documents.

Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney Deb Kelly said Drum's guilty plea doesn't make it any less of a tragedy, but she hopes it allows the victims' families to grieve more productively.

Blanton was married and had two young sons. Ray lived with his aging father in the Agnew area.

"I'm very pleased Mr. Drum decided to accept responsibility, spare the victims' families a trial and save the taxpayers a lot of additional expense," Kelly said.

Drum faces a sentence of life without parole on the two aggravated first-degree murder charges. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to burglary in the first degree and unlawful possession of a firearm. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 13 and he remains in custody at the Clallam County jail where he is being held without bond.

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