In the rural landscape of Amboy, Washington, the life of 35-year-old Daniel J. Tveidt was tragically cut short on the evening of October 17, 2020. A man who had spent his entire life in the north Clark County area, Tveidt was a loving father to four children and a well-known figure in his community. His death, which resulted from a violent encounter, left his family and friends in a state of disbelief and profound grief.
The incident unfolded after sunset when Tveidt, accompanied by two friends, was driving near 54 Road, east of Healy Road. They had been enjoying the evening, watching the sunset and drinking beer.
Their drive was interrupted by the sound of gunshots, leading them to a pullout in the road where a white truck was parked. Believing the shooting was happening too close to the road, Tveidt stopped his vehicle. According to witnesses, he then got out of his car and began yelling as he approached the individual who was firing the weapon. In the ensuing confrontation, several shots were fired, and Tveidt fell to the ground. He was unarmed at the time of the incident. Though his friends drove to get cellphone service and call 911, and a LifeFlight helicopter was dispatched, Tveidt succumbed to his injuries before it could arrive.
The Clark County Major Crimes Team launched an investigation into the homicide. The alleged shooter, identified as Cody D. Nutter, who was 32 at the time, fled the scene in his truck. In his haste, items reportedly fell from the back of his vehicle, including a bag and military dog tags bearing his name. This evidence aided law enforcement in identifying him as the suspect. Nutter was later apprehended at his residence with the assistance of the Clark County Regional SWAT team and was subsequently booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder.
In his initial court appearance, bail for Cody Nutter was set at $500,000. His attorney indicated that they would be pursuing a claim of self-defense. This assertion was strongly disputed by Daniel Tveidt's family, who maintained that the shooting was not an act of self-defense. The community mourned the loss of a man described as an amazing person who was deeply loved, while the legal process began to unfold to address the circumstances of his untimely death.
