PORT LUDLOW — An autopsy is scheduled today for a LaPush woman whose death Thursday in Port Ludlow has led to a second-degree murder investigation.
The body of Virginia G. Castaneda, 20, was taken to Kosec Funeral Home in Port Townsend after the 5:32 a.m. call that brought deputies to the Port Ludlow home.
Evan Daniel Thompson, 33, who is undergoing treatment at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, is under arrest for investigation of second-degree murder.
Thompson was discovered at the house at 1771 Samsonville Road with cuts to the wrist and a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Castaneda’s cause of death is currently undetermined, according to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Detective Brett Anglin.
“It could still be a gunshot wound, strangulation, suffocation, or a multitude of other plausible causes,” Anglin said in an email.
“We are hesitant to come to a conclusion until an autopsy is completed and compared to evidence found on the scene and statements from witnesses.”
When deputies answered a call to the house, they found Thompson in the backyard and Castaneda deceased in an upstairs bedroom.
Thompson was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he remains. He is listed on the Jefferson County sheriff’s jail roster as being held for investigation of second-degree murder with no bail set.
Harborview has declined to provide information about Thompson’s conditions due to privacy issues, according to a spokesman.
Castaneda was a 2013 graduate of Forks High School.
“We are shocked and saddened by the events surrounding the loss of Virginia Castaneda,” the Quileute Tribal Council said in a statement issued Friday.
“Virginia grew up in the LaPush community, and we are all impacted by the enormity of this unthinkable loss.
“We want to send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to all family and friends.”
The council scheduled grief counseling Friday “to deal with the flood of emotions and confusion during this time” and will schedule more such treatment as the need arises, the council said in a statement.
“As more information is made available, we will reassess our needs for supporting our tribal members and community as a whole in healing from this heartbreak.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
Reporter James Casey can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jcasey@peninsuladailynews.com.
