Man arrested after homicide investigation on Moses Lake base

MOSES LAKE — A Grant County Sheriff's Office investigation into a death at a residence near Travis Drive and Craw Lane on the former Larson Air Force Base Tuesday has resulted in the arrest of a 52-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree murder. 

The sheriff's office first alerted residents to police activity in the area through a NIXLE notification issued around 1 p.m. Tuesday. The alert advised residents to avoid the area while deputies conducted an ongoing investigation and stated there was no threat to the public. 

By Tuesday evening, Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete confirmed to the Columbia Basin Herald that investigators were treating the death as a homicide. 

"On the base, we did have a death, and it does appear to be a homicide," Kriete said in an interview around 5 p.m. Tuesday. "As of right now, the detectives are applying for a search warrant to get into the residence to see if we can get any more evidence. But as of right now, the investigation is actually happening as we speak right now, and we don't have any other details to give to you right now." 

According to the Grant County Jail Roster, Joel Ray Koch, 52, was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder. Kriete confirmed Koch's arrest is connected to the investigation at the Travis Drive residence. 

"He is a person in question in this investigation," Kriete said. "We just don't have any other details regarding that right now." 

Kriete said the sheriff's office expects to provide additional information Wednesday morning as investigators continue processing the scene and gathering evidence. 

The Columbia Basin Herald will continue to follow the developing story and provide updates as information becomes available. 

Residents can sign up for Grant County Sheriff's Office NIXLE alerts by texting GCSHERIFF to 888777.