Olympia murder suspect dies after suffering medical emergency in custody

A 26-year-old man wanted in connection with an alleged homicide in Olympia died after suffering a medical emergency shortly after being arrested last week.

The suspect was linked to a murder through an investigation by the Thurston County Sheriffs Office after deputies were dispatched to the 3700 block of Wesley Loop NW at approximately 9 p.m. on July 3.

“Evidence at the scene strongly indicated that the victim, a 49-year-old Olympia man, died due to homicidal violence. Detectives responded and assumed the investigation.” said the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office in a report on July 4.

“Detectives worked through the night to identify, locate and facilitate the apprehension of the suspect, a 26-year-old Olympia man, who was both a relative and cohabitant of the victim.”

Investigators developed information that the suspect made his way to Longview after the alleged murder.

“Longview Police Department officers used that information to locate the suspect’s vehicle and ultimately take him into custody at a residence in northwest Longview,” said the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office in the report.

“Shortly after his arrest, the suspect suffered a medical emergency. Despite lifesaving efforts by law enforcement and emergency medical personnel, the suspect died.”

The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office detectives later served a search warrant at the residence in Longview, where they found evidence linking the suspect to the murder, as well as items that may have contributed to his death.

The identity of the suspect, as well as his cause of death, is going to be released at a later date by the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office.

The victim’s identity, as well as the cause of death, is going to be released at a later date by the Thurston County Coroner’s Officer.

“Our thoughts are with those (people) who have been impacted by this tragedy,” said the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office in the report.

An investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with relevant information about the case is asked to email detectives@co.thurston.wa.us or contact dispatch at 360-704-2740.