Man Arrested for Strangling Woman to Death in Ellensburg

The 19-year-old suspect was booked into the Kittitas County Corrections Center following the fatal domestic violence incident.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:49am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken necklace or torn fabric, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the tragic evidence of a domestic violence incident.A grim reminder of the tragic consequences of domestic violence, this close-up of a crime scene object evokes the somber investigation into a senseless loss of life.Ellensburg Today

A 19-year-old man has been arrested after an 18-year-old woman died following a domestic violence assault in Ellensburg, Washington. Police say the victim was found unconscious and later died from strangulation after being taken to the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents resulting in fatalities are tragic and underscore the need for greater awareness, prevention efforts, and support services in local communities. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing domestic violence and the importance of a thorough investigation to determine the full circumstances.

The details

Officers responded to a 911 call about a domestic violence assault along Glen Drive on Wednesday afternoon. Upon arrival, they found an 18-year-old woman lying unconscious and not breathing. A 19-year-old man was also present at the scene, along with his brothers. First responders provided medical aid to the woman, who was eventually taken to Kittitas Valley Hospital and then transferred to Harborview Medical Center, where she died from her injuries. According to the Kittitas County Medical Examiner, the woman died from strangulation. Police arrested the 19-year-old man and booked him into the Kittitas County Corrections Center.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 25.
  • The victim was later pronounced dead at Harborview Medical Center.

The players

Ellensburg Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident.

Kittitas County Medical Examiner

The office that determined the cause of death as strangulation.

19-year-old man

The suspect arrested and booked into the Kittitas County Corrections Center.

18-year-old woman

The victim who died from strangulation following the domestic violence assault.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Ellensburg Police Department at 509-962-7280.”

— Ellensburg Police Department

What’s next

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather information and evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the woman's death.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, prevention, and support services to address domestic violence in local communities. It underscores the importance of a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served and to prevent future incidents of this nature.