In the quiet city of Olympia, Washington, a tragic event unfolded on the morning of February 7, 2026, leading to the unexpected death of 66-year-old Michelle Anne Courts. A woman known for her dedication to her faith and her tireless service to others, Michelle was discovered deceased with apparent gunshot wounds at a private residence in the 2300 block of 19th Court Northwest.
Her death was not an isolated incident; she was found alongside a married couple, 79-year-old Paula Victor-Lopez and 70-year-old Carlos Lopez-Estrada. Michelle was a friend of Paula Victor-Lopez.
The Olympia Police Department responded to the scene after receiving a report of arguing followed by the sound of gunfire at approximately 10:37 a.m. Upon their arrival, officers located the three deceased individuals. The initial investigation by the police suggested that there was no ongoing threat to the community, leading to the belief that the incident was a possible murder-suicide.
The Thurston County Coroner's Office officially identified Michelle Courts and the other two individuals. To determine the precise cause and manner of death, autopsies were scheduled for February 10, 2026. The Olympia Police Department, in collaboration with the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab and the Thurston County Coroner's Office, is continuing to conduct a thorough forensic investigation into the circumstances that led to the three deaths. As the investigation remains ongoing, authorities have not released definitive conclusions about the sequence of events or the motive behind the tragic incident. Anyone with information related to the case has been asked to contact the Olympia Police Department.
