Tragedy Strikes the Small Town of Curlew: Deputy District Court Clerk Lisa Blakeney and Boyfriend Curtis Owens Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide
Curlew, Washington—A devastating tragedy has shaken the small, close-knit community of Curlew in Ferry County. Authorities have confirmed that Lisa Blakeney, a Deputy District Court Clerk, was killed in what investigators are calling an apparent murder-suicide. Her boyfriend, Curtis Owens, is believed to have taken his own life shortly after the fatal incident.
A Community in Shock
Curlew, a quiet rural town near the Canadian border, is home to just a few hundred residents, where everyone knows each other by name. News of the deaths has sent waves of grief and disbelief through the community. Friends and colleagues describe Lisa Blakeney as a dedicated professional and a warm-hearted individual who was passionate about her work in the Ferry County judicial system.
Curtis Owens, her boyfriend, was known to many in the area, though details about his background remain limited. While no prior incidents of domestic disturbances involving the couple had been publicly reported, investigators are working to piece together what led to the tragedy.
Details of the Incident
Authorities were called to a residence in Curlew late Wednesday evening after receiving a distressing 911 call. Upon arrival, deputies found Lisa Blakeney deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. Curtis Owens was also found at the scene, dead from what officials believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Ferry County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies have launched a full investigation, though early evidence suggests the case is a domestic-related murder-suicide. Forensic teams were on site throughout the night gathering evidence, while detectives spoke to neighbors and friends to gain insight into the couple’s recent interactions.
Remembering Lisa Blakeney
Lisa Blakeney had served as a Deputy District Court Clerk for Ferry County for several years. Her colleagues recall her as a dedicated public servant with a kind spirit, always willing to help those in need. The Ferry County Courthouse lowered its flag to half-mast in her honor, and fellow employees have expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of a beloved team member.
“She was more than just a coworker—she was family to us,” one colleague shared. “Lisa had a way of making people feel welcome, whether it was in the courtroom or just in everyday life. Her loss is immeasurable.”
Community Response and Mourning
The loss has left many in Curlew grieving, with residents organizing vigils and memorials to remember Lisa. Candles and flowers have been placed outside the courthouse and near the home where the tragedy occurred. Local churches and support groups have also opened their doors to those struggling to cope with the sudden loss.
Domestic violence advocacy groups have also spoken out, reminding the community about the importance of recognizing signs of abuse and offering resources to those in need. “Even in small towns, tragedies like this can happen. If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, please reach out for help,” said a representative from a local crisis center.
Investigation Ongoing
While the preliminary findings suggest a murder-suicide, investigators are continuing their work to ensure a complete and thorough review of the case. The Ferry County Coroner’s Office is conducting autopsies, and law enforcement is examining phone records, social media activity, and witness statements to piece together the final moments leading up to the tragedy.
As Curlew mourns the loss of two lives, the community is left searching for answers, grappling with the heartbreak of a devastating and senseless act.