WEST RICHLAND, Wash. — A mother and her 13-year-old daughter were found stabbed at their West Richland home, and the woman’s teenage son and his friend were being detained in connection with the deaths.
Ellen “Lori” Schalchlin, 41, and her daughter Elizabeth were found at their home Wednesday evening after Benton County sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 hang-up call, said Undersheriff Paul Hart.
The girl was found dead just inside the front door. Her mother was alive and conscious, but died on the way to Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Hart said.
Schalchlin’s son, 15-year-old Donald Lee Schalchlin, and his friend, 16-year-old Joshua Tucker, were arrested as they were driving away from the home, Hart said.
Schalchlin was being held Thursday for investigation of rendering criminal assistance. Prosecutor Andy Miller said it appeared that Schalchlin was “aware of the murder or manslaughter,” and took steps to conceal the crime.
Tucker, who also lived at the house, was being detained for investigation of murder.
The teens have not been charged, but were being held at a juvenile facility. Prosecutors have 72 hours to file formal charges.
An autopsy will be conducted on both victims Friday morning, Coroner Rick Corson said.
Deputies had been called to the home in the past, but Hart would not provide details about those calls.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
