CLARKSTON, WA: ELIZABETH DUMAN SHOOTS 3 OF 8 KIDS, KILLS SELF

Clarkston, Washington: Straight south of Spokane, in SE corner of state

Sheriff: Clarkston mother of 8 shot 3, killed self
By JOHN K. WILEY
The Associated Press

CLARKSTON, Asotin County — A Clarkston mother shot three of her children, then turned the gun on herself, Asotin County Sheriff Ken Bancroft said Saturday.

Elizabeth Duman, 31, and her 18-month-old son Abraham were found dead and two more of her eight children suffered gunshot wounds inside their hillside home Thursday.

"At this time, the evidence indicates the deaths and injuries are the result of Elizabeth using a firearm," Bancroft said in a news release Saturday.

Ruby Rose Duman, 3 months, remained in critical condition and her 3-year-old brother Johannes Duman was in serious condition Saturday at a Spokane hospital.

Sheriff's spokesman Lt. Dan Hally said Saturday that investigators are still trying to find a motive for the shootings. He said it was not known if Elizabeth Duman had sought mental-health counseling, but that likely would be explored as investigators look for a cause of the shootings.

LINK TO STORY... http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004147672_clarkston27.html

In Asotin County, there are services available round the clock, whether or not people are covered by health insurance, she said.

"There are services available," she said. "We want to remind people we have a 24-7 helpline that will respond to any kind of crisis."