On January 20, 2023, in Spokane, Washington, 85-year-old Gael Wirth, a female, was found deceased in her home in the Latah Valley Neighborhood. Her death was the result of a tragic event that also involved her partner, 84-year-old Donald Wirth.
Emergency services were dispatched to the couple's residence on East Martingale Court after receiving a medical alarm.
Upon their arrival, they discovered a note on the front door with instructions to enter the bedroom on the left and to contact specific individuals. Inside the bedroom, both Gael and Donald Wirth were found deceased on a bed.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office later determined that Gael Wirth died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, and her death was officially ruled a homicide. Donald Wirth's death was caused by a single gunshot wound to the head and was ruled a suicide. Investigators found a black semi-automatic pistol in Donald Wirth's hand. In the basement office, authorities also located a binder containing what appeared to be instructions for a power of attorney and a will, dated just ten days prior to the incident.
The investigation led Spokane police to classify the case as a murder-suicide. Consequently, Donald Wirth is considered the sole suspect in the death of Gael Wirth. As the suspect is also deceased, no arrests have been made, and it is unlikely any will be made in connection with this case. The Spokane Police Department's investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gael and Donald Wirth concluded with this determination.
