SPOKANE, Wash – Two boys witnessed the murder of their mom Sunday afternoon in Spokane, then helped police find the man they say shot and killed her.
The shooting happened on North Hawthorne near Rowan Sunday afternoon.
According to a probable cause document, Rachel Ballinger’s two sons, ages nine and 14, were home Sunday afternoon and heard their mom fighting with their step-father Josiah Ballinger.
Investigators say one of the children saw Josiah pull out a gun and shoot Rachel.
“[The child] watched as his mom fell onto the wooden staircase and hit her head,” court documents say.
The child said Josiah then stepped over Rachel’s body and “just left her there.”
The boys ran to a neighbor for help and also called 911, saying they saw Josiah Ballinger take off in a silver Jeep.
A nearby police officer saw the Jeep traveling west on Wellesley and pulled over the vehicle. The officer said Ballinger was cooperative at the scene. They found a handgun on the floor of the passenger side of the vehicle.
Ballinger was booked into the jail on second degree murder charges.
In court Monday, a crime victims’ advocate read a statement from Rachel’s family, saying “Rachel was a devoted mother of two sons… she brought joy, laughter and love to everyone around her.”
Her family said Rachel was concerned about Josiah’s behavior, but thought she could end it peacefully.
The family expressed a deep fear for Rachel’s family if he was released.
The advocate also read a statement on behalf of Rachel’s two sons, saying the boys are very fearful of him and want the biggest bond possible.
Ballinger’s attorney reserved the right to argue bond at a later date.
The judge set Ballinger’s bond at $1 million. He’ll be back in court Thursday to enter a plea.
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