One dead in Tenino shooting, preliminary evidence points to self-defense

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) shared a news release on social media  Friday, January 12, of a shooting that led to one death.

On New Year’s Day, TCSO deputies were called to the 17800 block of Old Hwy 99 in Tenino following reports of a shooting, indicating that a person had been shot.

Arriving at the scene, deputies and Tenino Police Department officers confirmed the occurrence of a shooting with one person found dead.

Detectives quickly responded to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation, which included interviews with the suspected shooter and witnesses present at the scene.

While the inquiry is still ongoing, preliminary information gathered from witness statements, evidence collected at the scene, and video surveillance footage suggests that the shooting may have been an act of self-defense.

There is no evidence to indicate that the deceased individual had any prior connection to the parties involved or the witnesses.

The Thurston County Coroner's Office will be responsible for releasing additional details about the deceased as they become available.

“Detectives are continuing their investigation, and once complete, will submit their investigation to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office for their review,” TCSO reported on their social media post.