No suspects yet in Othello homicides

OTHELLO - An orchard foreman and an employee were found dead in an orchard early Wednesday morning near Othello in what appeared to be a double homicide.

Adams County deputies responded about 3 a.m. Wednesday to a report of two bodies in a blue Mazda pickup in an orchard south of the 1700 block of West Bench Road. The wife of one of the victims reportedly went to check on her husband and found the bodies, according to Sheriff Doug Barger.

Deputies found the bodies of Juan Luis Rizo-Torres, 39, and Ruben Gonzalez-Navarrette, 29, both of Othello, and both with apparent gunshot wounds, Barger said. Rizo-Torres was reportedly the foreman working in the orchard and Gonzalez-Navarrette was believed to be an employee of the company that lease the orchard.

Investigators believe the shooting happened between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tuesday. No weapon was found at the scene but investigators were still collecting evidence from the vehicle throughout the day. Barger said the investigation is in the early stages and more information will be available at a later time.

A detective with the Columbia Basin Investigative Team responded to assist with the investigation and investigators from the Washington State Crime Lab also responded from Cheney to assist.

No suspects have been identified as of Wednesday but Barger said investigators identified people who may have information. Barger said he believes the shooting was not random or gang-related.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Adams County Sheriff's Office at 509-488-2061 or 509-659-1122.