Man jailed on $1 million bail in killing of Othello woman

OTHELLO — The Adams County Superior Court found probable cause to hold a man in the Adams County Jail on $1 million bail in the homicide death of an Othello woman.

Ismael Soriano Altamirano, 31, of the Othello area, was booked into the Adams County Jail on Jan. 27 on suspicion of first-degree murder in the death of Bianca V. Espinoza, 26, of Othello. Espinoza died of a gunshot wound the head early on the 27th.

Soriano Altmirano’s first court appearance was set for 11 a.m. Monday, the 30th. That hearing was for placing him on a 72-hour hold pending formal charges by the Adams County Prosecuting Attorney.

“The Sheriff’s Office staff has been working very hard... and will continue to work on this case until all pertinent information is obtained,” Sheriff Dale J. Wagner said. “Our deepest condolences go out those who are grieving the loss of Bianca.”

Espinoza was killed some time after midnight on the 27th. Adams County deputies responded to a call of shots fired at a residence in the 100 block of Barton Road in the Othello area at 1:49 a.m.

According to Wagner, deputies were advised that a female had been shot in the head and the person who had done the shooting had threatened to kill others at the same location. The suspect fled in a green Honda passenger vehicle, witnesses said.

The suspect and vehicle were located by Grant County deputies in Grant County a short time later.

At the Barton Road residence, Adams County deputies located a deceased female who appeared to have a gunshot wound to her head.

The Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team was called in to assist with the processing of the crime scene.

As of Saturday, the suspect is in the custody of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. This is an ongoing investigation.