Williams v. Striker

Facts of Case

William C. Striker (Striker) appeals from a summary judgment quieting title to two vacant lots in Herman W. Mericle, Jr. (Mericle)1 under the vacant land statute, RCW 7.28.080.2

*134Striker purchased the two vacant lots at a sheriff's sale on December 6, 1956 for $100. He ultimately received a treasurer's deed that he did not record until March 1, 1965 over 8 years after his purchase.

On March 26, 1965, Mericle purchased the same property from Glenn E. Hamilton and wife (Hamilton). Mericle promptly recorded his deed on April 7, 1965. This was just a little over a month after Striker,…