Man suspected of raping and choking woman he knew in Bellingham home
A 36-year-old man is suspected of sexually assaulting and attempting to strangle a woman he knew Friday evening in a Samish neighborhood home.
Kevin Scot Basham was arrested and booked into Whatcom County Jail Saturday, Dec. 7, on suspicion of second-degree rape and second-degree assault, and jail records show he is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.
Bellingham police were called for a rape investigation at approximately 9:45 p.m. Friday, Lt. Claudia Murphy told The Bellingham Herald.
Once there, officers learned that Basham wanted sex activity with the victim, was refused and ignored her refusal, Murphy said. While he was raping the victim, he allegedly put his hands around her neck and constricted her breathing.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
This story was originally published December 11, 2019 at 5:00 AM.
