Suicide said motive in Alderwood mall shooting death

Published 4:19 pm Monday, January 19, 2009

A woman Sunday, Jan. 18 died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the Alderwood mall parking garage, according to the Lynnwood Police Department.

The woman, 71, was shot once in the chest. Police reviewed surveillance video to determine that the wound was self-inflicted.

Investigators found the weapon that they believe was used — a small-caliber handgun located near the body. The woman was discovered by a passer-by, who originally thought the victim was having seizures. That person administered CPR, but the woman died.

The shooting happened in the parking garage adjacent to the J.C. Penney at the mall. J.C. Penney was evacuated for a short time, but people were allowed to re-enter. Police cordoned off the parking garage during the crime scene investigation.