Suspect in shooting death released as investigation proceeds

DAYTON–The suspect in last week’s June 20, 2022, shooting death of a Walla Walla man here was released from custody Friday, June 24, pending further consideration of the investigation by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and further investigation of potential evidence in the case from other witnesses and parties with information about the incident, said Prosecuting Attorney C. Dale Slack in a news release Friday.

In Columbia County Superior Court Wednesday, June 22, Jason William Bomar, 22, of Walla Walla, was advised of his rights and informed of being charged with first-degree manslaughter connected with the death of Christopher (NMI) Gonzales, 54, of Walla Walla, at 118 E. Washington Avenue. Attorney Rebecca Lemons of The Law Office of Rachel Cortez, Walla Walla, was in court to represent the firm being appointed to defend Bomar.

Under Washington’s criminal court rules (CrR 3.2.1(f)), the State may only hold a suspect in jail or under conditions of release on probable cause for 72 hours following arrest. “Therefore, Mr. Bomar will have to be released without conditions as we are not able to charge him at this time,” Slack said Friday. “Charges may still be filed, even after the 72-hour probable cause time limit, and this is in no way a final decision on charging.

“In the interest of fairness to victims, survivors, and the accused, it is the practice of this office to only file charges after a full investigation and thorough consideration of the evidence, the offense(s) alleged, potential defenses, the burden of proof, and the likelihood of conviction based on those considerations. Information is still being gathered and reviewed in this matter,” Slack stated in the release.

Investigation and consideration will continue, Slack pointed out, with all options being considered at this time, including the possibility of a coroner’s inquest into Mr. Gonzales’s death.

All of this information has now been shared with Mr. Gonzales’s family and Slack pledged that the Prosecutor’s Office will continue to keep the family informed as the investigation and process continues and decisions are made.

“Our sympathies are with Mr. Gonzales’s family, regardless of the outcome of charging decision in this matter,” Slack said.

Investigation reports included in Bomar’s probable-cause hearing file indicate that self defense may have allegedly been an element of the incident.

In the Preliminary-Appearance Hearing June 22, an arraignment hearing for Bomar was set for 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 6.

Gonzales died of a single gunshot wound to the chest in the incident at 119 E. Washington Avenue shortly before 6 p.m. June 20, Slack said. He was pronounced dead at Dayton General Hospital.