On June 20, 2022, a dispute between neighbors in a quiet Tonasket, Washington community escalated into a tragic and fatal encounter. Raymond Smith, a 26-year-old Caucasian male, was shot and killed at his residence. The Okanogan County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a shooting at approximately 1:05 p.m. in the area of Cape Labelle Road. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Raymond Smith and his 56-year-old mother, Kimberly Smith, both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
The
incident reportedly stemmed from an argument over an ongoing construction project. Scott Pollock, 61, also of Tonasket, and his wife had gone to the Smith's residence to discuss the project they were assisting with. An altercation ensued, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Pollock informed deputies that he believed he had shot Raymond Smith in the chest during the confrontation.
Pollock himself sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm during the incident. He was initially transported to North Valley Hospital for treatment before being transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. At the time of the initial reports, no arrests had been made in connection with the double homicide, and the investigation by the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office was ongoing. The events of that afternoon left a family and community heartbroken, mourning the sudden and violent loss of a son and mother.
