Suspect arrested following deadly shooting in Prescott
By Dan Thesman on Friday, October 25th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PRESCOTT – The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office arrested Troy Mitchell Rathbun, 62, of Prescott in connection with Wednesday’s homicide investigation on the 200 block of East Third Street in Prescott.
Rathbun is suspected of shooting his neighbor, Ronald D. Evans Jr., 41, of Prescott at 1:30 p.m. following a verbal dispute.
According to court documents, a witness told detectives he saw Rathbun brandish a semi-automatic handgun, point it at Evans and fire twice. The witness then heard a third gunshot after running inside to call 911.
Multiple officers responded and took Rathbun into custody.
Rathbun told detectives he had been having issues with Evans for months and that he “lost it” after confronting Evans Wednesday afternoon who Rathbun accused of vandalizing his vehicles numerous times.
Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, Evans died at the scene.
Rathbun was booked into Walla Walla County Jail on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. The investigation into this incident remains active.
