In Medical Lake, Washington, an 11-year-old lost her life in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide.
The incident occurred on November 26, 2023, when Spokane County deputies received a distress call around 4:40 pm about a severely injured girl lying in the middle of the road on North Prentis Street.
Upon arrival, the deputies and Spokane County fire personnel provided immediate medical aid to Lilea “Lilly” Stolworthy. Despite all attempts to save her, Lilly did not survive her critical injuries and died after being taken to the hospital. The Spokane Medical Examiner subsequently verified that a gunshot wound to the head was the cause of her death.
The investigation uncovered that Lilly had been outside her home with her brother, 31-year-old Jordan Brownlow, moments before the incident. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the vicinity. Brownlow was later found in a Mustang on North Graham Road, critically injured with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Later, on Wednesday, November 29, their mother, Darel Stolworthy. reported that Brownlow had been declared dead.
Lilly, a sixth grader at Medical Lake School, was remembered at a candlelight vigil held at Wilcox Park. Almost 100 friends, classmates, and members of the community gathered on a cold night, sharing memories and lighting candles in honor of Lilly.
Lilly’s mother opened up about the mental health struggles faced by Lilly and Brownlow. Lilly, who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, had experienced challenges with her mental health, including multiple suicide attempts. She became violent at home, and though she was on medication, the family had difficulty finding appropriate counseling care for her. Brownlow, another of the 12 Stolworthy children, including four who were adopted, also had attempted suicide. Both children were facing increasing mental health issues at the same time Mrs. Stolworthy said. She did not know if the murder-suicide was planned but said Lilly had talked of wanting to “be done” with life.
In a heartfelt statement, Lilly’s mother expressed her belief that both of her children are now at peace. A vigil to honor Lilly’s memory was held at Wilcox Park, with the community invited to pay respects and remember Lilly not just for her struggles, but as the sweet and beautiful girl she was known to be.