Murder-suicide at Thornton

Two people were found dead of an apparent murder suicide at their residence two miles west of Thornton last Wednesday morning, Aug. 11.

Sheriff Brett Myers’ report said deputies were called out to the home for a welfare check at 9:34 a.m. Wednesday. Found dead at the house Wednesday were Jennifer Dale, 42, and her husband, Wayne A. Dale, 51. The call came in after Jennifer Dale failed to report for work at Crossett’s Market in Oakesdale.

Deputies arrived and received no response from the residents. They then found the back door of the house was open and saw a female body, later identified as Jennifer Dale, on the floor of the dining room with a gunshot wound.

After entering the house, they found Wayne Dale’s body in the kitchen area with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Whitman County Coroner Peter Martin Monday confirmed both had died from gunshot wounds.

Sheriff Myers’ report said deputies later confirmed Jennifer Dale was in the process of separating from her husband and moving out of the residence.

Martin’s press release said forensic evidence and autopsy revealed Wayne Dale shot Jennifer Dale with a 12-gauge shotgun at close range before turning the shotgun on himself.

A funeral service for Jennifer Dale will be held this Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Oakesdale High School gymnasium. A memorial fund has been set up at State Bank Northwest.

Wayne Dale’s family has planned no public services.