POULSBO, Wash. — A tight-knit rural community outside Poulsbo is reeling after a husband and wife were found dead inside their home Tuesday morning in what authorities believe was an apparent murder-suicide. The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased as Richard Gaines and Marjorie Imbiorski-Gaines, longtime residents who were well-known and loved in the neighborhood.
The tragedy unfolded around 6:57 a.m. when Poulsbo Fire Department crews responded to a call reporting a possible suicide and a small fire at a residence in unincorporated Poulsbo. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames before discovering the two bodies inside the home, according to Fire Chief Jim Gillard. Deputies from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office arrived shortly afterward and secured the scene.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Kevin McCarty confirmed that there was no active threat to the public, stating the incident appeared to be isolated. “The scene is secure, and we are not searching for any suspects,” McCarty said. The home, located in a wooded area outside city limits, remains under investigation as detectives work to piece together the events leading to the deaths. Officials withheld the specific address due to concerns about thefts at crime scenes.
According to investigators, the couple was discovered by their adult son, who went to check on them after being unable to reach them earlier that morning. Upon entering the home, he found evidence of violence and immediately called 911. The Kitsap County Medical Examiner’s Office has taken over the case and will determine the official cause and manner of death, including whether the fire was related to the incident or an attempt to conceal evidence.
Friends and neighbors described Richard and Marjorie as a devoted, kind couple who were always willing to lend a hand. Marjorie was remembered for her warmth, generosity, and love of cooking, while Richard was known for his quiet demeanor and reliability. “They were good people — always there when someone needed help,” a neighbor said. “It’s just devastating to think something like this happened.”
Detectives with the Kitsap County Major Crimes Unit spent the day collecting evidence, interviewing neighbors, and analyzing the scene. While officials believe the case points to a murder-suicide, they emphasize that the investigation remains ongoing. “This is a deeply tragic situation,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the family as they grieve this unimaginable loss.”