Charges against Robert W. Burdick, age 56, of Washougal, have been amended to first degree murder after wife dies Tuesday
WASHOUGAL — On Tue., June 18 at 2:05 a.m., a man called 9-1-1 from an apartment complex located in the 600 block of West Lookout Ridge Drive, Washougal and said he was armed with butcher knives and he was holding his wife hostage in their residence.
The man told the dispatcher “I want you guys to come here and shoot me.” The dispatcher indicated that it sounded like there was a struggle going on.
Officers arrived and saw the lights were turned on inside of the third story apartment, as the officers approached the building the officers saw an adult female open a window and yell for help at the same time a man holding a large knife over his head came up behind the woman and pulled her away from the window.
The officers forced entry into the apartment and as they climbed two flights of stairs they could hear a female screaming for help. The officers located the man inside the apartment and took him into custody without incident. The female, later identified as 49-year-old Linda Burdick, had multiple stab wounds to her upper body and was transported by ambulance to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. Burdick, the wife of the suspect, died Tuesday following surgery for her injuries sustained in the assault.
Robert W. Burdick, age 56, of Washougal was arrested and booked for Assault 1st Degree. After his wife’s death, the charge was amended to first degree murder. He will be arraigned Wednesday in the Clark County Jail.
The investigation is in its initial stages. The Washougal Police Department is asking for anyone who may have information regarding this incident to call Washougal Police detectives at (360) 835-8701.
Information provided by Washougal Police Department.
