Authorities believe that A man faked a robbery inside his home with the help of a friend to hide the fact that he had murdered his wife in Washington state.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office said that on March 23, shortly before 7 p.m., deputies responded to a home in Hockinson, Washington, for a report of a woman who had been found with a gunshot wound by her husband and two friends arriving at the house.
The agents said that The woman, later identified as Lindy Rummel, 60, of Brush Prairie, Washington, died when they arrived at the scene.
According to authorities, a pickup truck, described as a black 2001 Ford F-150 with Washington state plates, had allegedly been stolen from the scene and the woman’s killer was believed to have taken the vehicle.
Lindy’s death was initially reported to be the result of an apparent home invasion and robbery. However, on March 24, officers reported that the investigation led them to believe a murder had been committed, Fox News reported.
A tip led officers to the arrest of Darrell Riley, 55, by the Eugene Police Department in Eugene, Oregon.
This after the stolen truck was found in Oregon, having been set on fire in what authorities said was likely an attempt to destroy evidence of the murder.
According to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, their investigation revealed that Riley was a friend of the deceased’s husband, James Rummell.
The authorities indicated that Rummell had driven to Eugene to pick up Riley and take him to Clark County the day before the murder.
According to agents, Rummell was arrested for allegedly making false statements to a public servant after a search warrant was served at his home.
Officials said they had discovered evidence that led them to believe that James Rummell may have requested Riley to carry out a robbery attempt to murder Lindy Rummell.
Riley is being held on a temporary warrant for first-degree murder. He will remain in custody in Oregon while the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office seeks extradition.
Meanwhile, James Rummell was booked into the Clark County Jail. Deputies said additional charges may be filed as he is considered a suspect in this murder.
The investigation is ongoing.
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