UPDATE: Meridian police identify two women killed, suspect who died by suicide
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After discovering a double homicide Sunday in Meridian, police said that they pursued a suspect who died by suicide before officers were able to arrest him.
Law enforcement from the Meridian Police Department and Ada County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at a home in the 2000 block of North Cougar Way at 7:10 p.m. Sunday, according to a Meridian Police Department news release on Monday.
The caller, who was a friend of one of the victims, indicated that there was a domestic disturbance and that someone may have been shot, police said.
Law enforcement said they found two women dead in separate locations inside the home.
Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea identified the victims as 33-year-old Emily Works, of Meridian, and 41-year-old Sarah Walmsley, of Boise. Both had gunshot wounds, but police are waiting for the Ada County Coroner’s Office to determine exact cause of death, Basterrechea said at a news conference Monday morning.
An 11-year-old child also was present at the time of the shooting, police said. Basterrechea said officers found the uninjured child, who had fled the home, at another residence.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families who are suffering today,” Basterrechea said at the conference. “We have two separate families whose lives will be forever changed. They’ve lost their mother, daughter and so much more because of an absolutely senseless act of violence.”
Basterrechea said they quickly identified 31-year-old Clint Powers, of Meridian, as the suspect and began searching the area for him. Powers was in a relationship with one of the victims, but the police chief declined to specify which one. The two women were friends, according to Basterrechea.
Powers threatened two people outside of their vehicle at gunpoint about half a mile away on Zircon Avenue, according to Basterrechea. Police said Powers demanded their keys and left in their vehicle.
Law enforcement was notified of a carjacking and Ada County deputies attempted to pull over Powers near West Ustick Road and North Venable Lane, according to police.
Powers then fled on foot and fired “several rounds” at a deputy pursuing him, police said. The deputy was not injured.
Law enforcement said they set up a perimeter and located Powers. He died by suicide using a handgun in the 7000 block of West Indian Rocks, police said.
“If you or anyone you know is involved in an abusive relationship, please reach out for help,” Basterrechea said. “Contact your local police department. If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to law enforcement, then reach out to one of the many organizations designed to help victims of domestic violence.”
The police chief said domestic violence victims can contact the Women’s and Children’s Alliance at 208-343-3688 or Faces of Hope at 208-577-4400 for help.
