WALLA WALLA, Wash. – A man from Ephrata was arrested on Friday in connection with the homicide of a 73-year-old man, according to the Walla Walla Police Department (WWPD).
The incident occurred around 1:22 a.m. at the Whitman Court Apartments on Ash Street. Officers received reports of a man bleeding out with a knife in his back. Upon arrival, they found the 73-year-old victim severely injured. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing a man flee the complex just before law enforcement arrived. Deputies from the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search and located the suspect nearby. The 38-year-old suspect was detained without further incident.
Officers found two bloodied knives at the apartment complex and observed blood on the suspect’s hands. Reviewing surveillance footage of the property, investigators discovered that the suspect had approached the victim while outside of the apartment building, and then followed him inside.
WWPD noted that the victim’s apartment appeared “ransacked” and evidence indicated the suspect’s involvement. The crime appears random and officials believe the suspect acted alone.
The suspect has been booked into the Walla Walla County Jail, where he faces murder and robbery charges.
The incident remains under investigation, as a motive has yet to be established, however, WWPD officials stated that the crime appears to be random and they believe the suspect acted alone.
