In the quiet city of Clarkston, Washington, a long-simmering dispute between neighbors erupted into a fatal confrontation on the evening of January 28, 2025, claiming the life of 53-year-old Chad Vanscotter, a White male. The tragedy unfolded in the 1200 block of Ash Street, where Vanscotter was shot and killed, allegedly by his 76-year-old neighbor, David E.
Boyd.
The conflict, which had reportedly been escalating for several months, centered around loud music that Boyd claimed Vanscotter played, depriving him of sleep and causing him significant distress. Boyd described his neighbor as a "bully" and told authorities that he "lost it" and "couldn't take it anymore" after feeling that his repeated complaints to law enforcement about the noise disturbances went unresolved. On that Tuesday night, Boyd allegedly went to Vanscotter's apartment to confront him.
According to the account provided by Boyd to investigators, when Vanscotter opened the door, he swung a long stick, striking Boyd in the head. In response, Boyd allegedly fired a. 38 Special handgun, shooting Vanscotter twice in the chest and once in the forehead. After the shooting, Boyd returned to his residence and, after contemplating taking his own life, ultimately called 911 at 8:59 p.m. to report the incident. He informed the dispatcher that he had shot and killed his neighbor and was waiting for the police to arrive, having set the weapon down.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement took Boyd into custody without incident and booked him into the Asotin County Jail. During a search of Boyd's apartment, investigators discovered a handwritten note in a notebook that expressed his frustration, stating, "This ass hole has pushed me past my limit I'm going to kill him and then myself I can't anymore." Boyd later claimed he had written the note earlier that day because the victim "just wouldn't leave me alone." He made his initial appearance in Asotin County Superior Court and was set to be arraigned on a charge of first-degree murder.
Chad Vanscotter, a graduate of Clarkston High School, was a familiar face in the local food service industry for 24 years, having worked as a kitchen manager and head cook. His career was cut short in 2014 due to health issues. He is survived by his wife, Michelle, his mother, and his sister. A celebration of his life was planned for April, with friends and family invited to share a potluck meal in his memory.
