UPDATE: Major Crimes/Fire Investigators called to Fatal Fire
Spokane Valley Major Crimes Detectives and Spokane Valley Fire Investigators, assisted by Spokane County Forensic Team Technicians, continue to process the scene and collect evidence today.
Working with the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office, coupled with information obtained during the autopsies, this death investigation is now considered a homicide investigation. (Homicide meaning death other than natural - death caused by another)
With today’s Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy results listing the cause of death of Joy Kihara as “Perforating, intermediate range gunshot wound to head” and her manner of death as “Homicide”, Major Crimes and Fire Investigators continue to work together to determine the cause and origin of the fire, as well as the facts of what occurred prior to it.
Two deceased dogs were also located inside the residence and are believed to have died by gunshot.
Investigators will be at the scene thought the day today, but processing scenes is a slow and methodical process. With the added difficulties caused by fire, it is possible there may be a need for investigators to return to the scene tomorrow.
Detectives want to ensure the community there is no known threat or danger stemming from this incident.
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Major Crimes/Fire Investigators called to Fatal Fire
Spokane Valley Major Crimes Detectives are working with Spokane Valley Fire Investigators at the scene of a fatal house fire in the 1800 block of N. Sipple Road in Spokane Valley. While attacking the fire, SVFD personnel located two deceased persons inside.
On July 18, 2017 at approximately 1:40 a.m., Spokane Valley Fire responded to a report of a residence on fire in the 1900 block of N. Sipple. When deputies and fire personnel arrived, they found most of the residence was involved in the fire.
Fire crews attacked the fire and were able to make entry into the residence where they located two deceased persons.
Spokane Valley Major Crimes Detectives were called to the scene to investigate the deaths. They are working with Spokane Valley Fire Investigators to determine the cause and origin of this fire.
Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the names of the deceased, along with cause and manner of death, when appropriate to do so.
Detectives and Spokane County Forensic Unit personnel will be on scene for a majority of the day.
Sipple between Nora and Knox will be closed during the investigation, please avoid the area.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233.