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Coroner confirms murder, suicide in Winlock

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Authorities have released the names of the two men fatally shot in a murder, suicide in Winlock but still have offered no explanation for why it might have occurred.

Jeffry C. Wachter, age 59, of Malone, allegedly used a handgun to shoot his 56-year-old brother multiple times and then turned the gun on himself.

Paul Wachter, 56, of Winlock, died of gunshot wounds to his torso, head and left arm, according to the Lewis County Coroner’s Office.

It happened on Sunday evening at property at the 600 block of Tennessee Road north of town.

Deputies and aid had been at the address that afternoon, rescuing the men’s older sister who had fallen into a well. The older brother had been asked to leave because he was arguing with his younger brother and being disruptive, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office has said.

She was finally hoisted to the surface just before 5:30 p.m. and taken to the hospital; and crews had departed when Jeffry Wachter returned with a gun, according to the sheriff’s office. Law enforcement was notified about 6:30 p.m. that he’d shot his brother and then himself.

The Lewis County Coroner’s Office issued a press release today revealing the names and stating the coroner confirmed both men died of gunshot wounds and labeled the older brother’s death as suicide and the younger brother’s as homicide.
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For background, read “Two dead after family dispute in Winlock” from Monday October 9, 2017, here [1]