Bellevue Woman Killed In Suspected Domestic Violence Shooting

BELLEVUE, WA — A 75-year-old Bellevue man shot and killed his wife, then called 911 to report himself, according to police. Officers responded to the 17100 block of Southeast 60th Street around 5 a.m. Thursday.

Police said the shooting suspect met officers on his front porch and found his wife's body inside the home. Investigators said the man was arrested and booked into jail without incident.

The latest death is the fifth resulting from domestic violence in Bellevue this year, a police spokesperson said. In June, a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fatally stabbing his parents. In July, a shooting and stabbing inside a Bellevue apartment tower left two people dead, including the suspect.

Earlier this month, officials highlighted an increase in the severity of domestic violence in Bellevue since the pandemic began.

"What has changed is the level of violence," said Bellevue Police Department Major Travess Forbush. "Since the pandemic forced us all to stay home, we've seen a 28% increase in felony domestic violence assaults. These situations are more dangerous for the victims; the injuries are more severe."

With the latest killing, at least 14 deaths have resulted directly from domestic violence across King County this year, double the number seen in all of 2019.