Update: Man found dead in submerged vehicle after allegedly stabbing girlfriend
A man suspected of fatally stabbing his girlfriend on Ketron Island Sunday night is reportedly dead.
Deputies were dispatched at 9:09 p.m. for a call after a 30-year-old man living on the island allegedly stabbed his girlfriend. Neighbors found the 26-year-old woman with several stab wounds and tried life-saving measures but she was pronounced dead, according to the Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.
A short time later, a loud crash was heard at the ferry dock and neighbors saw a vehicle floating in the water, the post said. Deputies believed the man drove his vehicle off the ferry dock and into the water.
Pierce County Dive and Marine Services Unit used a Remote Operated Vessel to find the vehicle, the post said.
The man’s vehicle was found submerged 30 feet down. The man was in the vehicle and is dead, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson deputy Carly Cappetto told The News Tribune.
A recovery mission is underway for the vehicle and his body.
Cappetto said it appeared there was unreported domestic violence in the home, which the woman had been dealing with by the man. She had spoken to other people on the island about it.
Ketron Island is made up of 10 to 15 permanent residents and it is considered a close-knit community, Cappetto said.
The Sheriff’s Office reported in the post that a 1-year-old the woman and man shared was in Child Protective Services custody for the time being.
Initial story
Deputies are searching for a man who is suspected of fatally stabbing his girlfriend on Ketron Island Sunday night.
Deputies were dispatched at 9:09 p.m. for a call after a 30-year-old man living on the island allegedly stabbed his girlfriend. Neighbors found the 26-year-old woman with several stab wounds and tried life-saving measures but was pronounced dead, according to the Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.
A short time later, a loud crash was heard at the ferry dock and neighbors saw a vehicle floating in the water.
“Deputies responded after taking the Steilacoom Ferry over to Ketron Island and found the 26-year-old female victim deceased. It is believed the 30-year-old male suspect drove his vehicle off the ferry dock,” the post said.
The man and woman’s 1-year-old child was found safe and will be in Child Protective Services custody for the time being, the post said.
The vehicle has not been found, the post said. It is not known whether or not the man is in the vehicle.
Pierce County Dive and Marine Services Unit are currently using a Remote Operated Vessel to find the vehicle, the post said.
“This is an ongoing investigation and our deputies, Dive and Marine Services will be working the scene for several hours,” the post said.
This story was originally published June 23, 2025 at 8:17 AM.
