Caitlin Follstad, a fifth-grade teacher at Island View Elementary in Washington state, was found stabbed to death. (Screenshots from KOMO News4/YouTube)
An elementary school teacher was found stabbed to death in Washington state, and her husband, who police called a person of interest in the case, might have killed himself after authorities discovered a body in the water and his abandoned car on a bridge.
Caitlin Follstad, 41, a fifth-grade teacher at Island View Elementary, was found on Tuesday afternoon at her home in the 2200 block of J Avenue, the Anacortes Police Department said.
The 911 caller said his son Kevin Follstad, 41, was possibly suicidal and driving to the Deception Pass bridge, officials said. Washington State Patrol troopers found the vehicle on the center island of Deception Pass bridge, but he hasn’t been found despite a search with police dogs, authorities said.
Earlier in the day, multiple agencies responded to a report of a body in the water near Deception Pass. Officials were working to recover the remains and positively identify them.
Brent Lindquist with the Anacortes Police Department told ABC Seattle affiliate KOMO that authorities believe it’s connected to the murder.
“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,” he told the station.
The children, who were not home during the killing, are safe with their grandparents, police said.
Kurt Kobs, a neighbor of the Follstads, was shocked.
“That’s the biggest thing is the thought these children now have to spend the rest of their life, 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 said.
The Anacortes School District said in a statement that the victim was much loved.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic loss of Caitlin Follstad, a cherished member of the Island View Elementary community,” the statement said. “Her passion for education led her to Island View Elementary, where she served as a teacher, mentor, and friend. The Anacortes School District extends its sympathies to Caitlin’s family, friends, students, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
The district said grief counselors would be available to students and staff affected by the loss.
“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 said. “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 law enforcement had responded in March to a call for a mental health check for the husband, but nothing came of the call.
“His behavior at the time did not fit the criteria for involuntary treatment, and he declined to speak to medical professionals voluntarily,” police said, the station reported.
The station reported it was the second homicide in four decades in the city of Anacortes — population 17,637, which is north of Seattle.
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