Laura Rebecca Cole, a 35-year-old White female, was a dedicated special education teacher whose life was tragically cut short on October 31, 2018, in Kennewick, Washington. A graduate of Essex Junction High School, where she finished at the top of her class, Laura went on to earn a Master's in Special Education. She was known for her gentle and loving nature, and a deep-seated passion for helping vulnerable people and animals.
This passion was evident in her work as a teacher in the Pasco School District, where she was always seeking innovative ways to help her students reach their full potential. Beyond her professional life, Laura was a creative individual who authored 10 fantasy books for young adults and was skilled in various crafts.
On that fateful Halloween day, Laura was found deceased in her home in the Canyon Lakes neighborhood. Law enforcement discovered her alongside her husband, Dustin A. G. Altshuler, in what was determined to be a murder-suicide. Police believe that Altshuler, who was also a teacher, fatally shot Laura before turning the gun on himself. The tragic event unfolded after Kennewick police were called to the residence for a welfare check when a relative expressed concern.
The motive for the murder-suicide appeared to be linked to recent legal troubles faced by Altshuler. He had been arrested for indecent liberties just days prior, following an incident with a female taxi driver. Altshuler was on paid administrative leave from his teaching position at Pasco High School and had been released on bail. The couple was reportedly distraught over the situation. In the wake of her death, Laura's family established a memorial endowment fund in her name to support the special needs program she was developing, a lasting testament to her dedication to her students.
