In the quiet town of Medical Lake, Washington, the life of Colin Bastow, a 42-year-old White/Caucasian male, was tragically cut short on December 23, 2022. Remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted Army veteran with a passion for art, woodworking, and helping others, his death sent ripples through the community. Bastow, who had worked as a horseback tour guide and carpenter, was known for his compassion and generosity.
The circumstances of his death unfolded within the confines
of a Medical Lake apartment, stemming from a volatile on-and-off relationship of about four to five years with 25-year-old Cynthia Metsker. On that fateful morning, an argument between the two escalated into a fatal encounter. Deputies responded to reports of a gunshot and screaming at an apartment complex on Washington Street around 11 a.m. Upon arrival, they found Bastow with gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cynthia Metsker was detained at the scene and became the sole suspect in Bastow's death. She claimed to have shot him in self-defense, alleging that he was attempting to rape her. According to court documents, Metsker stated that after Bastow pinned her to the ground, she was able to free a hand, grab a pistol, and shoot him as he was walking away from her. A 16-year-old witness present at the scene corroborated parts of Metsker's account, stating that she heard them arguing and saw Bastow on top of Metsker. The witness also confirmed that Bastow was walking away when the shot was fired.
The investigation revealed a troubled history between Bastow and Metsker, with previous domestic-related incidents that had led to arrests for assault, arson, and malicious mischief against Bastow. Metsker's chemical dependency was also noted as a contributing factor to the tragic events. Initially charged with second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm, Cynthia Metsker later entered into a plea agreement. She pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. On June 5, 2024, a Spokane County Superior Court Judge sentenced her to 12 years in prison, bringing a legal conclusion to a case that highlighted the devastating consequences of a tumultuous relationship.
