In Medical Lake, Washington, an 11-year-old lost her life in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide.
On November 26, 2023, Spokane County deputies responded to a call at around 4:40 pm about an injured girl on North Prentis Street. They found Lilea “Lilly” Stolworthy in critical condition.
Despite the immediate medical aid provided by the deputies and Spokane County fire personnel, Lilly passed away after being taken to the hospital. Her death was later confirmed by the Spokane Medical Examiner as a result of a gunshot wound to the head.
The investigation into the incident indicated that Lilly was outside her home with her brother, 31-year-old Jordan Brownlow, shortly before the tragedy. Gunshots were heard in the area, and Brownlow was later found in a Mustang on North Graham Road with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was declared dead on November 29, as reported by their mother, Darel Stolworthy.
The community remembered Lilly, a student at Medical Lake School, in a candlelight vigil at Wilcox Park. Almost 100 friends, classmates, and community members came together to honor her memory.
Lilly’s mother shared the struggles her children faced with mental health. Lilly, who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, had attempted suicide multiple times and ran away from home at Thanksgiving time. She became violent at home, and though she was on medication, the family had difficulty finding appropriate counseling care for her. Brownlow, one 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 her statement, Lilly’s mother expressed her belief that both her children are now at peace.
