In the quiet community of Elk Plain, Washington, a tragic story unfolded in late January 2015, ending the life of 32-year-old Julian Fejerang. The male victim was discovered in his home on January 27, 2015, the victim of a fatal shooting. The circumstances of his death, initially a mystery, would soon be revealed as a heartbreaking case of domestic violence.
Fejerang's mother, with whom he lived, grew concerned when she found his bedroom door locked on that Tuesday morning. When her son remained unresponsive by the afternoon, she forced her way into the room and made the devastating discovery of his body in his bed. Investigators determined he had been shot, but the weapon was not at the scene, leading to an immediate search for his ex-girlfriend, 38-year-old Stephanie Rawls.
The couple had recently ended their relationship but were still sharing the same house. According to investigators, this breakup was the motive for the violence that followed. Family members of Rawls noted that she had been exhibiting unusual behavior leading up to the incident, such as giving away money. It is believed that Rawls shot Fejerang in their home in retaliation for him ending their relationship.
Later that same day, the search for Rawls came to a somber conclusion. Her body was found in the backseat of a truck parked outside a church in Tacoma. She had died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound from the same shotgun used to kill Fejerang. Investigators concluded that after killing her ex-boyfriend, Rawls had taken her own life, bringing the investigation to a close as a murder-suicide. No other suspects were sought, and no arrests were made in connection with Fejerang's death.
