In the fall of 2021, the community of Centralia, Washington, was shaken by the loss of a vibrant and cherished member. Rikkey Janee Outumuro, a 39-year-old woman, was a celebrated activist and performer within the local LGBTQ+ community. Known for her dazzling performances as Tru Starlet, she had earned the titles of the first Miss Gay Lewis County and a former Miss Gay Olympia.
Beyond the stage, she was a licensed cosmetologist and a dedicated advocate, known for her bright smile and unique personality that drew people to her. She was a loving mother figure to a young boy she adored and was deeply involved in creating safe and supportive spaces for others.
The events that led to her tragic death unfolded on Halloween weekend. On the night of October 30, 2021, Rikkey and her 28-year-old boyfriend, Cristopher Allen Gaudreau, had been out for drinks. A friend later reported seeing the couple arguing on their porch around midnight. In the early hours of October 31, the situation escalated fatally. Gaudreau would later claim to have no memory of what happened after about 11:30 p.m. that night.
On the morning of Halloween, Gaudreau said he awoke on the living room floor of their home on South Gold Street to the sound of their six-year-old son playing video games. He claimed to have then discovered Rikkey on the couch, deceased. An investigation would later reveal she had been shot five times in the chest and was found in a defensive posture, her arms shielding her face. After making the discovery, Gaudreau took the young boy to Rikkey's mother's nearby home and informed her that her daughter was dead, prompting the call to 911.
Police responded to the home and began an investigation into the homicide. Family members who arrived at the scene immediately voiced their belief that Gaudreau was responsible. He was arrested later that day. Investigators located the murder weapon, a 9mm pistol, hidden in a tool chest in a back bedroom. It was discovered that this same gun had been returned to Gaudreau by police just three days prior to the murder, following its seizure after he had unlawfully discharged it in a previous incident. An additional charge was later added when it was revealed he had also allegedly shot at a friend on the night of the murder.
Initially charged with first-degree murder, Cristopher Allen Gaudreau later accepted a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree assault. He was subsequently sentenced to 25 years in prison for the death of Rikkey Janee Outumuro, bringing a close to the legal chapter of a story that ended a life full of artistry, activism, and love.
