Sunnyland Elementary School principal shot to death at home near Bellingham

Sunnyland Elementary School Principal Lynn Heimsoth was identified as the woman the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said was shot to death in her home west of Bellingham Thursday morning, according to Bellingham Public School’s Superintendent Greg Baker.

Heimsoth’s husband, whose name was not released, was identified as the suspected shooter, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He was transferred from St. Joseph’s hospital Thursday afternoon to another hospital in critical condition, according to Bev Mayhew, director of communications for St. Joseph’s hospital.

Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo told The Bellingham Herald there is no generalized threat to the community connected to the incident.

“We are heartbroken by this news. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies are actively investigating the incident,” a statement by Baker said. “Her death is a profound loss to our Sunnyland community, our school district and to our extended community. Lynn was a passionate, equity-driven instructional leader. She loved kids to the core and always kept students’ needs at the center of her work.”

Heimsoth was the principal at Sunnyland Elementary since July 2017. She previously served as the principal at Shoultes Elementary in Marysville for four years. She also worked for Bremerton, North Kitsap and South Kitsap school districts as an elementary teacher and instructional leader, Baker’s statement said.

Elfo said Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the Chartwell Estates condominium in the 900 block of Marine Drive around 10:28 a.m. on Dec. 26 for the report of a murder-suicide.

When deputies arrived, they found 58-year-old Lynn Heimsoth dead from an apparent gunshot wound in her home, Elfo said. Heimsoth’s 56-year-old husband was also found inside the apartment alive, but with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital, Elfo said.

Deputies also found Heimsoth’s therapy dog, Sukha, and a cat both dead from gunshot wounds, Elfo and Baker’s statement said. Sukha was always by Heimsoth’s side, Baker’s statement said.

No one else was injured in the shooting, Elfo said.

Elfo said the investigation is in its preliminary stages and no further details are being released.

Elfo said there was a previous shooting in the same area Wednesday, Dec. 25, but the sheriff’s office does not believe the two incidents are related at this time.

“Our thoughts and support are with Lynn’s family and friends during this very hard time, as well as our Sunnyland families and all colleagues affected. No details are available at this time about potential memorial services. We will deeply miss her,” Baker’s statement said.

Members of the school district’s counseling and support team will be available for students at Sunnyland Elementary on Jan. 6 when the students return from winter break, Baker’s statement said.

The district also provided resources for families to speak with their children about the tragedy, which help deal with death and grief.

Sunnyland Dean Amy Berreth, Executive Director Kristi Dominguez and Director Trina Hall, who are with the Department of Teaching and Learning and members of the district’s mobile response team, can also be reached if anyone needs to speak with them. They can also offer additional resources, Baker’s statement said.

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/.

▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org.

This story was originally published December 26, 2019 at 8:39 PM with the headline "Sunnyland Elementary School principal shot to death at home near Bellingham."

Denver Pratt

The Bellingham Herald

360-715-2236

Reporter Denver Pratt joined The Bellingham Herald in 2017 and covers courts and criminal and social justice. She has worked in Montana, Florida and Virginia. She lives in Alger, Wash.