Washington man confesses to murdering wife, child

SPANAWAY, Wash. -- Sheriff's deputies are investigating an apparent double murder after a man walked into the Pierce County Jail early Wednesday and said he fatally shot his wife and child.

Pierce County Sheriff's Captain Ed Smith said deputies went to a home in the 15500 block of 20th Ave. Court East and found the bodies just before 5 a.m.

"They did see through the window what appeared to be a person in the bed. The person was non-responsive," said Smith. "They went ahead and forced entry into the home, and found two deceased persons in the master bedroom bed."

The suspect has been identified as 40-year-old Dean R. Holmes, and the victims are his 41-year-old wife, Kristi Holmes, and 11-year-old daughter, Violet Holmes, police said.

Once police were at the scene, a neighbor reported hearing gunshots overnight. Detectives have cordoned off the home while they investigate.

It was not clear what prompted the killings, but police said Dean Holmes, who has been cooperating with investigators, indicated he was having marital and financial problems.

He has been booked into jail for investigation of two counts of first-degree murder and is expected to make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.