Snohomish County sheriff’s deputies discovered two bodies at a Woodinville residence Wednesday morning during a welfare check, with investigators treating the deaths as a suspected murder-suicide.
Deputies responding to the 23000 block of 102nd Avenue Southeast around 11:45 a.m. found a 52-year-old woman and 62-year-old man dead inside the home, according to the sheriff’s office.
The identities of both individuals have not been released pending notification of family members. Officials have not disclosed the specific manner of death or circumstances that led to the welfare check request.
Murder-suicide cases typically involve intimate partner or family relationships, though authorities have not confirmed any connection between the victims. Such incidents often follow patterns of domestic violence or mental health crises that escalate to fatal outcomes.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating the deaths. Detectives will examine evidence at the scene, interview potential witnesses, and review any history of prior law enforcement contact with the residence or individuals involved.
Welfare checks are routine police responses when concerned family members, friends, or neighbours request officers to check on someone’s wellbeing. These requests often arise when individuals fail to maintain regular contact or appear to be in distress.
The investigation will determine whether the deaths occurred recently or if the bodies had been undiscovered for an extended period before the welfare check. Autopsy results will provide official cause and manner of death determinations.
Woodinville, located in southeastern Snohomish County, typically experiences low rates of violent crime compared to urban areas. The incident highlights that domestic violence and mental health crises can affect any community regardless of demographics or economic status.
The sheriff’s office has not indicated whether weapons were involved or if there is any ongoing threat to public safety. Such incidents are typically contained within the involved residence with no broader community risk.