SPOKANE, Wash. -- KXLY confirmed with Yakima County Coroner Jim Curtice Wednesday that a body discovered near a man's house in Mabton on April 30 was 17-year-old Samantha Kalinchuk, of Spokane.
Curtice says she died of a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was homicide. Sheriff's detectives say she was shot one time.
The Yakima County Sheriff's Office says a man called deputies a little after 3 p.m. on April 30, 2023, to report finding a body. He told detectives he discovered a foul smell, and after looking around, he found Kalinchuk dead.
It is not known why Kalinchuk was in Yakima County at the time of her death. No arrests had been made.
Chelsea Gallagher, principal at Mount Spokane High School, released the following statement on their former student.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student Samantha Kalinchuk. Our thoughts are with her and her family. She was a kind and thoughtful student. She enjoyed Graphic Design, Science courses, basketball and was an avid Houston Astros fan. We miss Samantha greatly, and she will hold a special place in our hearts. Many of our students may process this differently, and we do have counselors available for any students who might need support."
Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact the Yakima County Sheriff's Office: (509) 574-2500 or (800) 572-0490. Anonymous tips can be call in to (509)248-9980 or (800) 248-9980, or online through Yakima Crime Stoppers.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
