Homicide cold case reopened after 8 years

COLUMBIA BASIN — The Grant County Sheriff's Office reopened a homicide case, cold since 1999.

The body of 45-year-old Basin City man, Jessie Loman, was discovered near Seep Lake Road on Mother's Day weekend in 1999, Grant County Sheriff's Office Det. Ryan Rectenwald said. The road is near the Potholes Reservoir area.

Loman went to the Canal Lake area to set up a campsite Saturday night eight years ago, he said. His family, including his wife and four children, expected to meet him there Sunday for their annual family trip.

When the family arrived Sunday, they could not find him after searching the area. A missing persons report was filed immediately.

Within the same day, a driver unexpectedly located Loman's body near the roadway by Seep Lake Road, Rectenwald said.

He suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head and abdomen, he said.

Loman took his work vehicle to the campsite; a 1995 teal Chevrolet pickup truck was located a few hours later at the Moses Lake Safeway parking lot.

Images of the vehicle were recorded on a surveillance tape. The grainy images will be refined and touched up to possibly get a look at the person who brought the vehicle there, he said. The touch up is possible due to improved technology since the incident happened.

It is unknown if the person or persons who left the vehicle at Safeway are involved with the shooting, he said. He hopes to identify someone in the video.

When the vehicle was found, nothing of significant value was taken. A diamond-shape plated tool box remained in the truck bed.

The investigation revealed his ATM card was used on Saturday at about 7:30 p.m. at a Moses Lake bank. It is unknown who used the card, Rectenwald said. He did not disclose the amount withdrawn.

After the truck was evaluated for evidence it was returned to the farm where Loman worked as a mechanic in Basin City.

The detective is relying on someone who has information on the shooting to contact him to end the case and give closure to the family.

"They called again Mother's Day weekend because it was the anniversary of the death," he said. "They want it resolved."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rectenwald at 509-754-2011, ext. 468. His personal extension is 17.