Raymond A. Shotwell, aged 29, tragically lost his life on June 17, 2021, in South Bend, WA. The incident was a result of a homicide involving his brother, Thomas Shotwell. According to reports, the Pacific County Communications Center received a 911 call just after 1 a.m. on June 17 from Thomas Shotwell, who confessed to shooting his brother. Thomas informed the dispatchers that he was leaving the residence on North Nemah Road and had left the gun used in the shooting at the scene.
Upon
arrival, law enforcement personnel discovered Raymond Shotwell deceased inside the home. A handgun, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered at the scene. The investigation revealed that the two brothers lived together, but the motive for the homicide remains unclear.
Following the incident, a search was conducted to locate Thomas Shotwell. He was found around 5 a.m. in his vehicle parked in the Bay Center area, in extreme medical distress, suggesting a possible suicide attempt. Deputies forced entry into the locked vehicle, provided medical aid, and took Thomas into custody without incident. He was subsequently transferred to a medical facility and remained under the guard of the Sheriff's Office.
The case proceeded through the legal system, and Thomas Shotwell was sentenced to over 15 years in prison for second-degree murder. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Long Beach and Raymond police departments, as well as the Pacific County Prosecutor's Office.
The tragic event has left a lasting impact on the community, with ongoing reflections on the circumstances that led to such a devastating outcome. The investigation into the motive behind the homicide continues, as authorities seek to understand the underlying factors that contributed to this family tragedy.
