Ephrata man suspected of murdering Walla Walla man in custody
By Dan Thesman on Friday, September 19th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla police arrested Eric P. Sarmiento, 38, of Ephrata in connection with the homicide of a 73-year-old man early Friday at the Whitman Court Apartments, 305 Ash St.
At 1:22 a.m. Friday, officers responded to reports of a man bleeding heavily with a knife in his back. When officers arrived, the victim was found in the hallway of the apartment complex with multiple injuries. Medical personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. Two knives were recovered from the scene with what appeared to be blood on them.
Witnesses reported seeing Sarmiento flee the building moments before officers arrived. Deputies from the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office located Sarmiento nearby and detained him without incident. Deputies noted he had blood on his hands at the time they contacted him. Sarmiento was was transported to the Walla Walla Police Department for questioning.
The apartment complex, which is operated by Blue Mountain Action Council, had its security systems in place at the time of the incident, including cameras and locked exterior doors. Security footage showed that Sarmiento did not force his way inside or defeat any security measures; instead, he was seen approaching the victim outside the building having what appeared to be a peaceful interaction, then casually following him inside.
During a subsequent search, investigators determined the victim’s apartment had been ransacked. Evidence indicates Sarmiento took items from the apartment.
As this stage of the investigation, the motive remains unknown. Investigators believe the crime was random but isolated and that Sarmiento acted alone. WWPD met with Whitman Court residents Friday morning to assure them that they are working diligently on this case and that there is no perceived ongoing threat to them or the community. Sarmiento is not known to local law enforcement and has no prior history within the local public safety system.
Sarmiento was booked into the Walla Walla County Jail for first-degree murder and first-degree robbery.
The name of the victim is not being released until all of the victim’s family has been notified.
This remains an active investigation.
