Murder-Suicide In West Linn Leaves Two Dead, Sheriff Says

WEST LINN, OR — Police on Thursday identified the individuals involved in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide in West Linn Wednesday afternoon.

According to Clackamas County Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Brian Jensen, David James Cote, 34, shot and killed 35-year-old Bethany Noelle Schuch outside a home in the 400-block of Alderwood Drive before taking his own life around 1:30 p.m. March 7.

Deputies were dispatched to the home when a witness called 911 after seeing Cote arrive in a black SUV, emerge with a large, scoped firearm, and shoot Schuch multiple times in the breezeway between the house and the garage, Jensen said.

The witness to the shooting reportedly fled after watching Cote shoot Schuch; so while police were en route to Alderwood Drive authorities closed Borland Road and nearby parks, and put West Linn-Wilsonville School District schools in the area on lockout in case the shooter was still active.

Neighborhood alerts were dropped after investigators determined Cote shot Schuch before shooting himself in the head. The investigation is ongoing, however, and the Oregon State Medical Examiner is determining the exact cause of death for both Cote and Schuch.

Borland Road was reopened around 3:30 p.m.

A Facebook profile photo on Cote's page indicates he and Schuch may have been friends as recently as January. No details have been provided explaining what happened that led to Wednesday's tragedy.

A background check on Cote conducted by Patch revealed Deschutes County convictions for felony stalking and menacing in 2013.

Investigators are asking the community for tips that could help explain the events leading up to the murder, including Cote's movements earlier Wednesday. Information can be shared with authorities by calling 503-723-4949 or using the sheriff's office online email form.

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