Four young people dead, one critically injured in Toppenish, police say

YAKIMA — Toppenish police said three young people were killed and one person critically injured early Thursday, with a 19-year-old male suspect dying by suicide.

Police said a 13-year-old boy, 18-year-old girl and 21-year-old woman were shot and killed, and a 21-year-old man was critically injured. A 19-year-old male suspect died by suicide, a police news release said.

“While the investigation is still in its early stages, preliminary findings indicate that the suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification, acted alone,” the police news release said. “The motive behind this heinous act remains unknown at this time.”

Police responded to a call at 5 a.m. at a house in the 200 block of Pearne Street that involved more than one gunshot victim, according to Casey Schilperoort, public information officer for the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office.

Names of the victims were not released.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge the community to respect their privacy and allow them the space to focus on their recovery,” the release said. “The Toppenish Police Department would like to express our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims affected by this senseless act of violence.”

Investigators from Toppenish and other law enforcement agencies were on scene all day. Police said there were no outstanding suspects, and there was no ongoing related threat to the community.

Anyone with information regarding the case can call Toppenish police at 509-865-1629 or 911.