By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Lewis County Coroner’s Office concluded the deaths of the Winlock father and son were homicide and the mother shot herself.
Each of the three died of penetrating gunshots to the head, according to Coroner Warren McLeod.
His finding followed today’s autopsies.
Rodney Walter, 57, Cathy Lee Walter, 65, Devon Walter, 18, their three dogs and a cat were found shot dead on Tuesday night at their home on the 300 block of Frost Road. They were last heard from on Sunday.
McLeod, in a brief interview, said his reason for the determination was because that’s what the pathologist – who conducted the autopsies – said happened.
Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield said the announcement by the coroner doesn’t mean he expects to release any further information about their investigation today.
Still not revealed is if there was a suicide note or what kind of firearm was found.
“I’m not saying anything about that now,” Mansfield said. “We’ve still got several things to do and look at.”
Rodney Walter was a truck driver, and the family moved into the two-story log cabin six or seven years, according to neighbors.
Mansfield indicated yesterday solid ideas about what prompted the double-murder suicide were few. Detectives continue to look for a motive, he said.
“Why did this happen, we’re still working on this,” he said this afternoon. “We’ve got a little ways to go.”
Update: The sheriff’s office said in a news release on Friday morning, March 18, they believe there are no other participants in the shooting beyond the three individuals who are dead.
•••
For more, scroll down to this morning’s news story, or click here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter