In the early morning hours of July 18, 2017, a devastating house fire on North Sipple Road in Spokane Valley summoned firefighters to a scene of unfolding tragedy. Amidst the flames that consumed much of the residence, emergency responders made a grim discovery. Inside the home lay the bodies of 67-year-old Joy Kihara, a female, and a second individual.
The initial investigation into the blaze quickly turned into a complex criminal inquiry as the circumstances surrounding the deaths appeared suspicious.
As investigators began to piece together the events of that tragic night, the Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Joy Kihara's death was a homicide resulting from a gunshot wound to the head. The second person found in the home was identified as 70-year-old Bobby Kihara, who had also died from a gunshot wound to the head. Adding to the sorrow, two dogs were also found deceased inside the residence, believed to have been shot as well. The presence of gasoline and gas cans within the charred remains of the home led investigators to believe the fire was intentionally set.
In the days that followed, the investigation increasingly pointed towards a murder-suicide. Authorities announced that they were not seeking any outstanding suspects in connection with the deaths of Joy and Bobby Kihara. The prevailing theory held by the Spokane County Sheriff's Office was that Bobby Kihara shot his wife and their two dogs before setting fire to their home and then taking his own life. While the case was thoroughly investigated, no arrests were made as the sole suspect was believed to be deceased. The community was assured that there was no ongoing threat related to this incident.
