Press Release: Detectives investigate apparent murder suicide in Winlock

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PRESS RELEASE 

       Date/Time:         10-09-17 @ 1130 Hours

          Contact:             Chief Dusty Breen    

Phone:                (360) 740-1327

Release #:                   1

Detectives investigate apparent murder suicide in Winlock.   

Detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred last night.  On 10/08/2017, at approximately 6:30 PM, deputies were dispatched to a shooting incident occurring in the 600 block of Tennessee Road in Winlock.

Initially deputies and fire personnel had been at the residence at approximately 4:14 PM when a 63 year old female had accidentally fallen into a well while trying to add chlorine.  The female had fallen approximately 50 feet and was trapped by debris collapsing over the opening of the well.  Deputies and aid personnel worked on freeing the female, who was transported to the hospital for treatment. 

During the rescue efforts two of the female’s brothers, one a 56 year old male of Winlock, and the other a 59 year old male of Malone, were on scene.  The older brother was asked to leave as he was disrupting the rescue efforts and engaging in a verbal dispute with his brother.  He left and did not return while the aid crew or deputies were on scene.

At approximately 6:30 PM, the 59 year old brother returned and was armed with a handgun.  According to witnesses, the 59 year shot his younger brother multiple times, and then turned the handgun on himself.  Both brothers succumbed to their injuries.  An autopsy is scheduled for later this week, and identification of the decedents will be made by the Lewis County Coroner.    

Due to the nature of the investigation, no further information is being released at this time.  Anyone having possible information on the incident are encouraged to call the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office at (360) 748-9286, or Lewis County Communications at (360) 740-1105.           ###

LewisCountySheriff'sOfficeMissionStatement:

Beingacommittedcommunitypartner, providingprofessional servicetoenhancethesafety,security,andqualityoflifeinLewisCounty.