
Forty-year-old suspect arrested after altercation and charged with Murder in the Second Degree
On Friday (Jan. 27) at about 9:06 p.m., a 9-1-1 caller reported a disturbance in a room at the Sunnyside Motel located at 12200 NE Highway 99. Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded and located two males in the motel room who appeared to have been in a physical altercation.
One male was detained by deputies, and the other exhibited substantial external injuries and was unconscious. Medical aid was rendered to the injured male by medics. Shortly thereafter, the male was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate. An on-scene witness described to detectives that an altercation had occurred between the two males in the motel room and began looking for help from another motel guest to call 9-1-1.
Jonathan D. Smith, 40, was identified as the detained male from the hotel room. Smith invoked his right to remain silent when interviewed by detectives. Search warrants were served on the crime scene location and on Smith. Based on the current investigation, Smith was arrested for RCW 9A.32.050, Murder in the Second Degree and booked into the Clark County Jail.
This is an ongoing active investigation by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit being assisted by the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team.
The decedent’s name is not being released pending official identification and next of kin notification by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. There are no outstanding suspects and no danger to the public as a result of this incident.
Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- School bus involved in crash in Vancouver on FridayA Pontiac G8 collided with an elementary school bus at NE 99th and NE 23rd Ave, but no children or drivers required hospitalization, according to officials.
- Crown Point Country Museum Grand Opening set for Sat., March 21Visitors to Corbett’s new Crown Point Country Museum can explore the region’s early settlements, Wasco Nation heritage, art by Charles W. Post, and unique geological collections.
- Opinion: Two ways to keep rightDoug Dahl explains how Washington drivers must “keep right” differently depending on whether traffic flows in one direction or both, plus the exceptions that apply to two-way turn lanes.
- Reps. Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt: Supplemental capital budget includes key investments for the 20th DistrictProjects in the 20th District will benefit from millions in state funds, with local schools, community centers, and infrastructure improvements highlighted by Reps. Abbarno and Orcutt.
- Opinion: A troubling end to a disruptive sessionLet’s Go Washington highlights multiple instances where legislative leaders dismissed historic public feedback, advanced controversial tax policies, and undermined constituent influence.
- Single-vehicle crash investigated on 72nd AvenueDeputies say a northbound pickup struck a guardrail and became stuck atop a Jersey barrier, blocking several blocks of NE 72nd Avenue while emergency crews extricated the driver.
- Opinion: Washington state is blowing up its no-income-tax advantageLawmakers advanced SB 6346 with an emergency clause, aiming to end Washington’s no-income-tax reputation and prevent voters from seeking a referendum.








