SPOKANE, Wash. — A North Spokane mother was shot and killed by her husband inside their home Sunday evening while her children were present, according to Spokane police.
Rachel Ballinger died after being shot by her husband, Josiah Ballinger, police said. The couple’s two sons were inside the home when the shooting occurred.
Spokane police received a call from one of Rachel’s sons reporting the incident. Investigators said one of the children witnessed Josiah Ballinger pull out a gun and shoot his wife. The caller reported that Josiah quickly fled the scene, but police arrested him later that same day.
Josiah Ballinger pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges during his arraignment Thursday evening.
Bradley and Emerald Dewey, longtime friends of the Ballinger family who live just a couple houses down from the family, have known them for more than a decade. When they first heard the news, they immediately stepped in to support Rachel’s boys.
“It’s second nature. It’s not anything different. I mean, yeah, the tasks are a little bit harder right now, but it’s all for those kids. And it’s always been for all those kids,” Emerald Dewey said.
Rachel had moved to the North Spokane neighborhood a few years ago with her family, settling just a couple houses down from her best friends, the Deweys.
Those who knew Rachel described her as someone with a vibrant presence.
“If you were in a room with her, even if you were having a conversation, you could tell she was there. Very loud. And she knew it and was proud of it,” Emerald Dewey said.
Despite the tragedy occurring just four days earlier, Rachel’s oldest son has returned to school as the family seeks some normalcy during this difficult time.
“They wanted to have a little bit of normalcy, and it was great. They were running around and playing and happy. And I mean, I know there’s obviously behind the scenes, but it’s healing for a lot of people around them too, to see them smiling,” Emerald Dewey said.
The impact of Rachel’s death has been felt throughout the neighborhood. Neighbors have stepped in to help maintain Rachel’s home, including tending to her front yard garden, which she always kept well-maintained.
The case remains under investigation by Spokane police.
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