BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A 22-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after a woman was shot and killed at a Bellingham apartment.
At about 12:20 a.m., officers responded to a report of a man with a gun in an apartment in the 900 block of 20th Street.
Investigators said a man was seen inside an apartment holding a gun after several shots were heard.
As officers got to the area, the man, who police later identified as Rigoberto Galvan, called 911 to report he was the one who opened fire. Western Washington University police officers located Galvan and took him into custody.
When Bellingham officers arrived, they found a 22-year-old woman critically injured with several gunshot wounds. The woman later died from her injuries.
Police said Galvan was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and booked into the Whatcom County Jail.
The Western Washington University vice president of enrollment and student services delivered this message to the Western community Wednesday:
Dear Western Community,
I am deeply saddened to share with you that a Western Washington University student was killed in an apartment off-campus late last night. There is no ongoing threat, and details are still emerging as Bellingham police investigate. Further information is available at the City of Bellingham website. We are not releasing the name of the victim pending notification of her family. Rigoberto Galvan, 22, was arrested almost immediately, and is currently in custody, charged with first-degree murder; he has also been trespassed from Western Washington University.
Our hearts go out to the friends and families affected by this tragic news. In the days ahead, as we mourn the loss of a valued student and friend, you may find that you are experiencing grief, anger, frustration, and sorrow. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help or support.
The WWU Counseling Center will provide assistance to any student impacted by this incident. Students may contact the office at (360) 650-3164 for support. Employees may access the Employee Assistance Program at (877) 313-4455. Both numbers are available 24 hours a day.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by violence, either recently or in the past, CASAS, a confidential support service for Western students, is available at (360) 650-3700, in Old Main 585B, or by contacting Deidre Evans, the CASAS coordinator, directly at (360) 650-7982. DVSAS (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services) is also available for support.
For help in supporting someone you care about, the Washington State Coalition against Domestic Violence offers helpful resources, including this Friends and Family Guide. You may also find these resources from Love Is Respect to be helpful:
I will continue to share information as it becomes available. In times of sorrow, our community's strength and compassion are invaluable. Let's extend comfort and kindness to one another.
With sadness,
Melynda Huskey
WWU Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services
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