A man was arrested in Carnation on Friday, May 9, following a domestic violence incident that resulted in a fatal shooting, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded just before 2 p.m. to a 911 call reporting a disturbance at a residence on Langlois Road NE. The caller, later identified as 42-year-old Mitchell Brian Gaynor, said he was arguing with someone he believed to be his ex-girlfriend and claimed to have a person at gunpoint. Yelling and gunfire were heard during the call. Gaynor was later detained after emerging from the residence holding a rifle.
Deputies found a woman on the ground with gunshot wounds to her abdomen and arm. She was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.
In an email response to a media inquiry, the King County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one person was arrested and taken to Harborview with severe injuries. It was noted that there was no danger to the public and that the initial significant law enforcement response was due to early reports suggesting a suspect might be at large and that there might be multiple victims. They added that Major Crimes is now handling the open and active investigation.
In a probable cause narrative, it was noted that Gaynor made incoherent statements and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. A search of the property revealed multiple weapons, drug paraphernalia, and a substance resembling methamphetamine. The 911 call recorded Gaynor accusing the victim of being someone else and issuing threats to another individual before firing.
At Gaynor’s first appearance in court, the court found probable cause for his arrest for murder in the second degree and set bail at $2 million.
Casey McNerthney, Director of Communications for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, stated that prosecutors anticipate receiving the case referral from the sheriff’s office investigators by the afternoon of May 14 for a charging decision.
Gaynor remains in custody at the King County Jail.