Press Release
June 22, 2009

MOUNT VERNON POLICE DEPARTMENT

UPDATE – June 23, 2009

Mount Vernon Police Investigators spent most of Monday, June 22, 2009, processing the crime scene.  This involved obtaining a search warrant to examine the vehicle and contacting The Washington State Patrol Crime Lab for assistance.  Crime Lab teams are specially trained in forensic examination and assist investigators by providing equipment and consultation for these types of crimes.

Detectives searched the vehicle and collected evidence which will be forwarded to the Washington State Crime Lab for examination.  A preliminary review of the victim's body indicates injuries consistent with a gunshot wound.  An autopsy to determine the actual cause and extent of these injuries is planned for Wednesday, June 24, 2009. 

Investigators did not find a gun in the vehicle driven by the victim and continue to pursue this case as a homicide.

Today, investigators are trying to locate friends or acquaintances that may have seen or been with the victim earlier in the evening.  We've received phone calls and tips which are now being reviewed and sorted to see if they can help us determine what occurred.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Mount Vernon Police Criminal Investigations Division at (360) 336-6272.

Lieutenant Chris Cammock
MVPD Case #09-M10186
 (360) 336-6271

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ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE – June 22, 2009

On Monday, June 22, 2009 at approximately 1:20am, Mount Vernon Police Officers responded to the area of North 8th and Fir to investigate a report of a gunshot.  As officers were arriving, a motor vehicle accident was reported to have occurred in the 700 Block of North 8th.

Officers located a 1993 Jeep Cherokee that had left the road and struck the side of a home.  The driver, an 18 year old Mount Vernon man had sustained a gunshot wound and was deceased at the scene.

The home the vehicle struck was occupied at the time of the accident however no one inside was injured.  The structure sustained minor damage to the exterior.

The investigation is being treated as a homicide.  The vehicle was removed from the scene for evidence processing.  Detectives are interviewing residents who live in the area and are talking with family members to try and determine what occurred.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Mount Vernon Police Criminal Investigations Division at (360) 336-6272.

Lieutenant Chris Cammock
MVPD Case #09-M10186
 (360) 336-6271