Homicide Underway in Lewis County After Fatal Shooting
A man was found dead Tuesday afternoon in Chehalis, marking the start of an active homicide probe by Lewis County authorities.
Deputies responded around 1:15 p.m. to a residence in the 1500 block of Rice Road after a relative alerted officials to a possible fatality in the area. Once on scene, officers located the body of a male in his late twenties inside a single-family home.
Detectives assumed command of the investigation shortly after arrival and identified a suspect who had ties to the victim. Members of the Sheriff’s Enforcement Team located the individual nearby and escorted him to the sheriff’s office for an initial interview.
Following that discussion, detectives determined there was sufficient evidence to support an arrest. The suspect was taken into custody and processed into the Lewis County Jail on a first-degree murder charge.
Family members of the deceased were informed by the Coroner’s Office and have been kept apprised of developments. Officials said the suspect is being held without bail and that the public remains at no elevated risk.
Details about the victim—including full name, age, and background—will be disclosed once the coroner completes the autopsy. The official cause and manner of death are also pending those results, with an announcement expected in the coming days.
Investigators stressed that the case remains dynamic, with forensic analysis and witness statements still underway. To safeguard the investigation, only limited information is being shared publicly at this stage.
Anyone with relevant knowledge—such as sightings, prior interactions, or audio or visual recordings from the time of the incident—is encouraged to reach out. Contact options include calling the Sheriff’s Office at (360) 748-9286, Lewis County Communications at (360) 740-1105, or submitting tips via email at [email protected].