Husband identified as accused killer of Sunnyland principal; in hospital under guard
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Lynn Heimsoth murder
Sunnyland Elementary School Principal Lynn Heimsoth, her therapy dog Sukha and the family cat were shot to death Dec. 26, 2019, at her home west of Bellingham. Kevin Heimsoth, her husband who reportedly attempted to kill himself after her death, has been charged with murder and animal cruelty.
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The man who allegedly shot and killed his wife in their home west of Bellingham Thursday morning has been identified as Kevin Heimsoth, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim was identified as Lynn Heimsoth, who was the Sunnyland Elementary School Principal. She died at the scene.
Kevin Heimsoth, who suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was in critical condition Friday, Dec. 28, afternoon at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, according to a hospital spokesperson. He is under guard by the sheriff’s office pending formal criminal charges, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Lynn Heimsoth’s cause of death was declared a handgun gunshot wound to the head, according to Whatcom County Medical Examiner Dr. Gary Goldfogel. Her death was ruled a homicide, Goldfogel said.
“This horrendous crime impacted many in our community,” Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo told The Bellingham Herald. “While our investigation has not yet revealed any facts that would indicate a propensity for domestic violence prior to the murder, anyone with information that might be helpful to our investigation and review of this incident is requested to contact the Sheriff’s Office. As this case illustrates, the dynamics of domestic violence can escalate and lead to extreme violence.”
Elfo said there was no generalized threat to the community connected to the incident.
“We are heartbroken by this news. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies are actively investigating the incident,” a Thursday evening statement by Bellingham Public School’s Superintendent Greg Baker said. “Her death is a profound loss to our Sunnyland community, our school district and to our extended community. Lynn was a passionate, equity-driven instructional leader. She loved kids to the core and always kept students’ needs at the center of her work.”
Heimsoth was the principal at Sunnyland Elementary since July 2017. She previously served as the principal at Shoultes Elementary in Marysville for four years. She also worked for Bremerton, North Kitsap and South Kitsap school districts as an elementary teacher and instructional leader, Baker’s statement said.
Elfo said Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the Chartwell Estates condominium in the 900 block of Marine Drive around 10:28 a.m. on Dec. 26 for the report of a murder-suicide.
When deputies arrived, they found 58-year-old Lynn Heimsoth dead from an apparent gunshot wound in her home, Elfo said. Heimsoth’s 56-year-old husband, Kevin, was also found inside the apartment alive, but with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital, Elfo said.
Deputies also found Heimsoth’s therapy dog, Sukha, and a cat both dead from gunshot wounds, Elfo and Baker’s statement said. Sukha was always by Heimsoth’s side, Baker’s statement said.
No one else was injured in the shooting, Elfo said.
Elfo said there was a previous shooting in the same area Wednesday, Dec. 25, but the sheriff’s office does not believe the two incidents are related at this time.
“Our thoughts and support are with Lynn’s family and friends during this very hard time, as well as our Sunnyland families and all colleagues affected. No details are available at this time about potential memorial services. We will deeply miss her,” Baker’s statement said.
Members of the school district’s counseling and support team will be available for students at Sunnyland Elementary on Jan. 6 when the students return from winter break, Baker’s statement said.
The district also provided resources for families to speak with their children about the tragedy, which help deal with death and grief.
Sunnyland Dean Amy Berreth, Executive Director Kristi Dominguez and Director Trina Hall, who are with the Department of Teaching and Learning and members of the district’s mobile response team, can also be reached if anyone needs to speak with them. They can also offer additional resources, Baker’s statement said.
A candlelight vigil is being held for Heimsoth and Sukha at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at the Sunnyland Elementary playground, 2800 James St., according to the Sunnyland Elementary PTA’s Facebook page. Candles will be provided and all are welcome.
“There are no words to describe the depth of our shock and heartbreak from the tragic passing of Principal Lynn and Sukha. Many have expressed a longing for community during this time,” the PTA’s announcement states. “All are welcome tonight in filling the Sunnyland playground with love, light and kindness as Lynn and Sukha did every day.”
The PTA’s announcement notes that a more official memorial will be held once school is back in session.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org.
This story was originally published December 27, 2019 at 9:32 AM with the headline "Husband identified as accused killer of Sunnyland principal; in hospital under guard."
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