Sophie Tinney, 27, was found dead at a residence on Fox Drive in Fox Island, Washington, on April 20, 2025. What was first reported as a suicide became a homicide investigation after deputies arrived and the Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death multiple gunshot wounds to the head, a finding the office said was inconsistent with self-infliction.

Tinney’s boyfriend, 29-year-old Lars Eugene Nelson, placed the 911 call and was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Prosecutors allege the shooting may have been planned and have said Tinney, who had documented mental health struggles, spoke with her parents about Nelson helping end her suffering; her parents described the couple as co-dependent and raised the possibility of a suicide pact. Nelson pleaded not guilty and posted bail.

Investigators later found Tinney’s name in a manifesto linked to a separate bombing in Palm Springs, California, on May 17, 2025; the bomber, 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, who died in that explosion, described Tinney as a close friend and suggested they shared an agreement that if one died the other would follow. Does anyone have information about Tinney’s final days or her connections beyond Fox Island?