Grant County deputies continue search in Mattawa shooting

MATTAWA, Wash. — Grant County sheriff’s detectives say they are still trying to determine who shot a Mattawa woman late Saturday, killing her and her unborn child.

The woman was unloading groceries from her car when someone opened fire on her from the parking lot of her apartment complex , then apparently fled on foot, Chief Deputy Ryan Rectenwald said this afternoon.

The incident was reported about 11 p.m. Saturday at 825 Third Place in Mattawa.

The suspect has not been identified. The sheriff’s office is asking the public to report any tips — no matter how small — that could help the case.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the victim’s family and friends. Detectives are working hard on this case and hope information from the public can help," the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Rectenwald declined to say whether the shooting might have been random or targeted at the woman, whose name may be released later today by the county coroner’s office. It’s unclear whether gang members might have been involved.

"We’re still working all the angles, so I would hate to speculate," Rectenwald said about any possible scenarios under consideration.

However, investigators had learned enough to suggest that the woman’s boyfriend or husband had not shot her, Rectenwald said. The man was home at the time.

Tips, including those from anonymous sources, may be reported to the sheriff’s office at 509-762-1160 or crimetips@co.grant.wa.us.

— Mark Morey