Stryker
Stryker, MT · LATEST NEWS
The Western News
Support pours out for Eureka homicide victims
For those who want to support the families of homicide victims Ryan Terpsma and Merrisa Marie Walker, there are multiple ways. Terpsma, a 28-year-old Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy and Walker, a 46-year-old Eureka resident and mother, died Friday, Oct. 30, from gunshot wounds. Eureka police officer Dave Steed was wounded in the shooting and is recovering. Matthew David Dye, 50, of Kalispell, faced deliberate homicide charges and an attempted deliberate homicide charge in the alleged incident. But he died Wednesday night while in custody at the Missoula County Detention Center. An investigation will be held to determine how he died. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, a candlelight vigil and honor circle for deputy Terpsma, Walker, veterans and first responders will be held at the Lincoln County School District Track facility, located at 1010 Osloski Road in Eureka. Attendees will gather to honor Deputy Terpsma, Walker, first responders and Veterans in the community as it works to heal in the wake of the tragedy. It will be co-hosted by Mayor Sonya Richardson and Lincoln County School District Superintendent Joel Graves. For Walker’s family, a Meal Train has been established to support them in various ways. It may be accessed at
Fairfield Sun Times
hoodline.com
Bellingham Native Killed on 28th Birthday as Montana Deputy, Suspect Dies in Custody
Ryan Terpsma, a 28-year-old Bellingham native, was killed while responding to a disturbance call in Eureka, Montana, on Oct. 30 — the same day he turned 28. The Lincoln County sheriff's deputy and Squalicum High School graduate died in the line of duty, according to his family, after he and a second law enforcement officer were shot at the initial scene, before the suspect fled and was pursued.
