Fire Chief Uses Badge To Hide Killing

A former fire chief who called 911 claiming his wife was having a seizure has been convicted of strangling her to death, exposing a chilling betrayal of public trust and his marriage vows.

Story Snapshot

Kevin West, former Camas-Washougal Fire Battalion Chief, convicted of first-degree murder in wife Marcy’s January 2024 strangulation death
West falsely reported wife was experiencing seizure to 911, but forensic evidence revealed strangulation as cause of death
Evidence of extramarital affair provided motive; jury deliberated just over two hours before returning unanimous guilty verdict
Conviction demonstrates successful prosecution despite defendant’s professional standing and attempted deception of emergency responders

Public Servant’s Deception Unraveled by Forensic Evidence

Kevin West held a position of public trust as battalion chief with the Camas-Washougal Fire Department in Washington state when his wife, 48-year-old Marcy West, died in their home in January 2024. West called 911 reporting his wife was having a seizure, but investigators quickly determined the true cause of death was strangulation. This deliberate misrepresentation to emergency responders represents a particularly egregious violation of the public trust bestowed upon first responders, who are expected to uphold honesty and integrity in life-threatening situations.

Evidence of Infidelity Points to Motive

During trial proceedings, evidence emerged revealing West was engaged in an extramarital affair at the time of his wife’s death. West testified in his own defense on January 19, 2026, describing his account of discovering his wife in distress. However, his testimony contradicted the forensic evidence that clearly established strangulation as the cause of death. This breakdown of traditional family values through infidelity, combined with the ultimate betrayal of taking his wife’s life, illustrates the devastating consequences when individuals abandon moral foundations and personal responsibility.

Swift Justice Delivered

On January 20, 2026, after deliberating for slightly more than two hours, a twelve-member jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on charges of first-degree murder and second-degree murder. The jury also confirmed through a special verdict form that Kevin and Marcy West were intimate partners. All twelve jurors were polled individually, confirming their unanimous decision. The rapid deliberation suggests the evidence presented by prosecutors was compelling and left little doubt about West’s guilt, demonstrating that justice can prevail even when defendants hold positions of authority and respect within their communities.

Institutional Trust Violated

This case raises serious questions about oversight and accountability within public service organizations. West’s position as a fire department battalion chief placed him in a role where community members depended on his judgment and integrity during emergencies. His willingness to fabricate a medical emergency to conceal murder represents a profound betrayal not only of his wife and family but of every citizen who trusted him with their safety. The conviction serves as a reminder that no position of authority should shield individuals from accountability when they violate the law and betray the public trust invested in them.

West now faces significant prison time following his first-degree murder conviction, with sentencing proceedings pending. The case demonstrates that forensic science and thorough investigation can expose even calculated attempts at deception. While this conviction cannot restore Marcy West’s life, it ensures that her husband will face consequences for his actions and sends a clear message that positions of public trust do not provide immunity from justice when individuals choose to violate the most fundamental laws protecting human life.