Kevin West, a 52-year-old former firefighter and battalion chief with the Camas-Washougal Fire Department in Washington state, was convicted of first-degree murder (and in some reports, also second-degree murder) in the January 8, 2024, strangling death of his 48-year-old wife, Marcelle “Marcy” West.
Case Details
West called 911 around 4:27 a.m., claiming his wife was having a seizure after they had a normal evening of movies and Chinese food. Initial responders, including his own colleagues, released the body after inconclusive findings, but tips about his affair prompted a second autopsy revealing neck trauma and asphyxia as the cause of death, ruled a homicide. The case shifted to Clark County Sheriff’s Office to avoid conflicts.
Motive and Evidence
Prosecutors highlighted West’s obsession with his mistress, Cynthia Ward—a volunteer at his fire station—with whom he rekindled a prior affair in 2023 after reconnecting online. Incriminating texts to her mother expressed longing for the next day (the murder date), and a hidden Christmas card promised “2024 will be our year.” Divorce would have cost him $4,500 monthly in alimony amid financial woes; his Apple Health data showed 1,000 steps until 4 a.m., contradicting his claims.
Trial Outcome
West testified denying the killing, blaming her migraines or a seizure possibly from his son’s massage. The jury deliberated about two hours before the guilty verdict on January 20, 2026; he collapsed in tears. Sentencing is set for February 27, 2026, with life in prison possible.
