A homicide investigation is underway in Lewis County after a man was found dead with obvious signs of trauma on Tuesday afternoon, leading to the swift arrest of a suspect.
According to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 1:15 p.m. to the 1500 block of Rice Road in Chehalis.
The initial call reported that someone had heard a relative was deceased in the area. Upon arrival, deputies conducted a search and quickly located the body of a deceased male.
Detectives immediately took over the scene and identified a person of interest. A member of the Sheriff’s Enforcement Team tracked down the individual, who was subsequently brought in for questioning.
Following an interview with detectives, authorities established probable cause and the suspect was arrested. The individual was booked into the Lewis County Jail on charges of Murder in the First Degree.
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office stated that the family of the deceased has been notified by the Coroner’s Office and reassured the community that there is no further danger to the public.
The identity of the victim, along with the official cause and manner of death, is being withheld pending an autopsy. That information will be released by the Lewis County Coroner’s Office at a later date.
Authorities emphasized that the case remains a highly active investigation, and no further details are being released at this time to protect the integrity of the case.
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who might have information regarding this incident to come forward. Tips can be directed to the Sheriff’s Office at (360) 748-9286, Lewis County Communications at (360) 740-1105, or via email at investigations@lewiscountywa.gov.
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