In a quiet Lynnwood, Washington neighborhood, a tragedy unfolded on February 7, 2022, ending the life of 82-year-old William James Prothero, a White male. He and his wife, Elna Prothero, also 82, were discovered deceased in their residence on the 18400 block of 60th Avenue West. The scene that first responders encountered pointed to a grim and deeply personal conflict, leaving a community in shock.
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that William Prothero had
died from three gunshot wounds, and his death was officially ruled a homicide. Further investigation into the sorrowful event revealed a murder-suicide. Authorities determined that Elna Prothero died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and her death was classified as a suicide.
Lynnwood police identified Elna as the primary suspect in her husband's death. Because the sole suspect was also deceased at the scene, no arrests were made in connection with William Prothero's homicide. The investigation concluded that no other individuals were involved in the incident. This left friends, family, and neighbors to grapple with the devastating loss of the couple under such violent and heartbreaking circumstances.
