WASHOUGAL, WA – A firefighter from the Camas-Washougal Fire Department in Washington state was taken into custody on Friday, accused of the murder of his wife. Kevin West, 49, was arrested following the declaration of his wife’s death as a homicide by the medical examiner.
In the early days of January, Kevin West reported a medical emergency at his residence. He informed the dispatcher that his wife, Marcelle “Marcy” West, was experiencing a seizure and had ceased breathing. Despite his reported attempts at CPR and the efforts of the arriving medics, Marcy West was pronounced dead at the scene.
The arrest of West was made based on the evidence collected during the execution of search warrants and his own statements, according to detectives. They expressed their belief in having sufficient cause to apprehend West for the murder of his wife.
Following Marcy West’s death, several individuals who were privy to the couple’s relationship dynamics reached out to local law enforcement. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office reported receiving these concerns.
The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation resulting from blunt force trauma to the neck, as per the medical examiner’s report. Sgt. Christopher Skidmore stated that the autopsy revealed signs of trauma to Marcy West’s neck. He also mentioned that the couple’s financial and relationship issues could have played a role in the incident, although the investigation is ongoing.
At the time of his arrest, Kevin West held the position of captain in the Camas-Washougal Fire Department, where he has served for 22 years. He is currently detained in the Clark County Jail without bond.