Police Department

SPD's Major Crimes Unit (MCU) investigating suspicious death

Corporal Nick Briggs, 509.835.4568

Monday, October 24, 2022 at 4:14 p.m.

Update 11/9/22:

SPD arrests two suspects for murder, kidnapping, after body found last month in Peaceful Valley

Major Crimes Unit (MCU) detectives have arrested 26-year-old John Birgen, and 27-year-old Randy Slone for murder 1^st degree and kidnapping 1^st degree. A third suspect is being sought.

The body of 51-year-old Andy Hernandez was found on 10-23-22 in a remote location near the 3100 block of W Pacific Ave in the Peaceful Valley neighborhood.

The investigation is on-going, however it does not appear this was a random incident, rather the victim was specifically targeted by the suspects.

Birgen has five felony convictions for crimes that include Assault 2^nd, felony harassment, and possession of stolen property. Slone has eight felony convictions which include assault, burglary, and taking a motor vehicle without permission.

Original Release 10/23/22:

SPD’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU) investigating suspicious death in peaceful valley area

On 10-23-22, just after 4 p.m., SPD received a call of a body found near the river in a remote location adjacent to the Peaceful Valley neighborhood. SPD officers responded and noted the death appeared suspicious and indicative of possible criminality. SPD’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU) detectives took over the investigation, which included extensively processing the area where the deceased person was found.

This is an active investigation, more information will be released as appropriate. The identity of deceased persons is released by the medical examiner’s office.

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