On a tragic day in Kennewick, Washington, 64-year-old Elena Weickardt Brown, a female, lost her life in a shocking act of violence that also claimed her daughter. On December 11, 2015, Elena and her 27-year-old daughter, Carmina Brown, were found deceased in their home on South Kellogg Street. Both women had been fatally shot. The discovery was made by a caretaker who arrived at the residence and found a grim scene.
Subsequent investigation by the Kennewick Police Department and the
Benton County Coroner's office revealed the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide. Authorities determined that Elena's husband and Carmina's father, 64-year-old Doug Brown, was the perpetrator. It is believed that he shot and killed his wife and daughter before turning the gun on himself. Each of the three family members died from a single gunshot wound. As the investigation pointed solely to Doug Brown as the shooter, police did not search for any other suspects, and no arrests were made in connection with the case.
Elena Weickardt was born in Madrid, Spain, and immigrated to the United States with her parents at the age of five. She built a distinguished career, serving as an officer in the United States Navy, where she met her husband, Doug. Together, they traveled the world, living in places like Panama, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Germany. They were described as devoted parents to their daughter, Carmina, who had developmental disabilities. The couple dedicated themselves to providing her with the best possible life and helping her achieve as much independence as possible. The violent end to their lives sent shockwaves through their community.
