PRESS RELEASE #2
A24-11996 HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
JUNE 25, 2024
The suspect in the June 19, 2024, homicide investigation at Streeters Resort in Silver Lake has been identified as 86-year-old Ronald Brant, who was a resident at the resort. Through witness interviews, detectives with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office learned that Brant had recently been cautioned about unwanted advances toward another female resident at the resort. During the June 19th incident, Brant approached resort owner Timothy Russell, age 56, and shot him multiple times. Brant also shot at Russell’s wife, who was not hit.
Brant then reportedly entered a female resident’s trailer – the subject Brant had been cautioned about regarding his unwanted advances. Brant also tried to shoot this subject, but his pistol malfunctioned. Brant assaulted the female subject, who was able to defend herself from Brant’s attack, as he then fled to his own motorhome.
As the first deputies arrived on scene, one set containment on Brant’s motorhome while the other deputy rendered first aid to Mr. Russell. Mr. Russell did not survive his injuries. A deputy heard a gunshot from inside Brant’s motorhome at this time.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for Brant’s motorhome. Lower Columbia SWAT responded to the scene and located Brant inside his motorhome. Brant was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Troy Brightbill
Chief Criminal Deputy
Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office