An elementary school teacher was found stabbed to death in Washington state, and her husband, whom police identified as a person of interest in the case, may have committed suicide after officials discovered a body in the water and an abandoned automobile on a bridge.
The Anacortes Police Department discovered Caitlin Follstad, 41, a fifth-grade teacher at Island View Elementary, in her home in the 2200 block of J Avenue on Tuesday afternoon.
According to investigators, the 911 caller reported that his son, Kevin Follstad, 41, was probably suicidal and was heading to the Deception Pass Bridge. Authorities from the Washington State Patrol discovered the vehicle on the center island of the Deception Pass bridge, but despite a police dog search, they have yet to find the driver.
Earlier in the day, several authorities reacted to reports of a body in the ocean near Deception Pass. Officials were working to recover and positively identify the remains.
Brent Lindquist of the Anacortes Police Department told ABC Seattle affiliate KOMO that authorities believe it is linked to the homicide.
“Based on the circumstances surrounding the case, what has happened, where the vehicle was discovered, and the unknown nature of his whereabouts, we do believe that’s what happened,” the officer said.
The youngsters, who were not there during the killing, are safe with their grandparents, according to authorities.
Kurt Kobs, the Follstads’ neighbor, was surprised.
“That’s the biggest thing—the thought that these children now have to spend the rest of their lives knowing that their father killed their mother and now they don’t have their mother—that’s the most heartbreaking thing of all of it,” he added.
The Anacortes School District released a statement expressing the victim’s deep affection.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic loss of Caitlin Follstad, a cherished member of the Island View Elementary community,” the message went on to say. “Her enthusiasm for education brought her to Island View Elementary, where she worked as a teacher, mentor, and friend. The Anacortes School District wishes to express its condolences to Caitlin’s family, friends, students, and colleagues during this sad time.”
The district stated that grief counselors would be accessible to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
“The loss of life is incredibly hard, and if you notice any colleagues or students showing signs of grief, please take a moment to reach out,” the statement went on to say. “The Anacortes School District extends its sympathies to Caitlin’s family, friends, students, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Police told ABC Seattle affiliate KOMO-TV that they responded to a complaint in March for a mental health check for the husband, but nothing came of it.
“His behavior at the time did not fit the criteria for involuntary treatment, and he declined to speak to medical professionals voluntarily,” police stated, according to the station.
The station reported that it was the second homicide in Anacortes, a city of 17,637 people north of Seattle, in four decades.
