HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION #A21-452
At 1402 hours of February 27, 2021 Cowlitz 911 received information that a shooting had occurred at a residence in the 100 block of Porcupine Ln, near Castle Rock. Deputies responded to the scene and located a deceased male subject inside the home. The male was identified as Randall N. Smith, age 63. Smith had gunshot wounds to his chest and back.
Detectives interviewed Morrigan Clymer, who said she and her fiancé Duane Black, age 21, reside with Randall Smith at the Porcupine Ln home. Clymer said she had been in an argument with Smith when Black instructed her to take their toddler into the bedroom and lock the door. Clymer said she saw Black through her bedroom window, walking back to the house with a rifle. Black reportedly stopped in front of the window and told Clymer, “I’m gonna get him.” Clymer said she then heard four gunshots.
Clymer said Black then came to the bedroom and instructed her to take their toddler and get in their vehicle. She reported seeing Black place a rifle in the back seat of the vehicle. Clymer then dropped Black off in Kelso.
Duane Black was located at a friend’s residence in Kelso and was taken into custody. Detectives interviewed Black and booked him into Cowlitz County Jail for Murder in the First Degree.
Troy Brightbill
Chief Criminal Deputy
Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office