Probable slaying-suicide under investigation in Wallace

WALLACE — The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what appears to be a slaying-suicide that occurred Wednesday in Wallace.

Elizabeth D. Lawley, 33, and her 2-year-old son were found dead in her father’s home. Both had sustained gunshot wounds.

Captain Jeff Lee of the sheriff’s office said, though the investigation has just begun, the scene and evidence heavily suggest it was a murder-suicide.

Sheriff’s Office personnel responded Wednesday to an 8:27 p.m. report of multiple deceased individuals at a Wallace residence. Upon arrival, the sheriff’s office requested assistance from the Idaho State Police to help process the scene and assist with the initial investigation.

According to multiple reports from neighbors, Lawley’s father had returned to his King Street residence around 6 p.m. and thought Lawley and the child were napping in a different room of the home.

When it started to become late, Lawley’s father went to check on his daughter and made the tragic discovery.

According to law enforcement, Lawley was roughly six months pregnant when she died.

Lawley’s father is not considered a suspect.

Law enforcement personnel were at the scene from 8:30 p.m. until early Thursday after obtaining a search warrant and processing the scene.

“Not only the community, but the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office is extremely saddened and shocked at the incident,” Lee stated. “We are continuing the investigation and awaiting the complete processing of all of the evidence, as well as the medical examiner’s report and all of their findings.”

Lawley’s family has been notified and, citing privacy concerns for the family, police are not releasing the child’s name.