A domestic incident on July 22, 2023, in Kennewick, Washington, resulted in the death of 25-year-old Brayden Klatt. Police responded to a North Huntington Street residence and found Klatt with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the head; he was taken to hospital and died several days later. The initial call came from Klatt’s girlfriend, 36-year-old Shayla Dawn Shearer, who told officers the shooting was accidental.

Shearer was arrested at the scene and originally charged with first-degree assault. After Klatt died the charges were upgraded to second-degree murder; investigators reported evidence at the scene that contradicted the accidental-discharge account and believed Shearer had pointed a .380 Ruger pistol at Klatt’s head and pulled the trigger. Her account later changed to a claim of self-defense, with allegations that Klatt had been abusive. Klatt’s family described him as caring and loving and were devastated by his death.

If anyone knew Brayden Klatt or has information about what happened that night, please come forward.