A 55-year-old psychologist reportedly shot her twin 7-year-old daughters in their sleep prior to turning the gun on herself.
On October 24, 2020, Patrol Deputies responded to a welfare check at home located on Sunflower Circle, Sudden Valley. A roommate at the residence reported having found his landlord, Michele Boudreau Deegan, and her two daughters dead.
The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office released a statement to inform the public of new details as the investigation progresses as the tragedy "has deeply impacted our community." The press release confirmed that a handgun was recovered from the possession of Boudreau. They furthered that the gun was consistent with the murder of the children and Boudreau's own death.
The twins were given large amounts of sedatives
Moreover, the autopsy results showed the 7-year-old twin daughters were large amounts of sedatives. That possibly rendered the children incoherent at the time of the incident. There were also indications that Deegan had planned the event over the course of several days before the bodies were discovered.
"She clearly stated her suicidal ideations," the press release said, "and that she would never leave her daughters alone without her."
Custody battle possibly led to her decision.
Deegan has been involved in a custody battle. On October 20, joint custody was awarded to both Deegan and her estranged husband. Investigators believe that this custody battle is the primary factor that led to the shootings.
Investigators have ruled out the involvement of her estranged husband's involvement in the incident. They stated that he has a strong alibi and that evidence at the scene points only to Deegan as the only suspect.
About Michele Boudreau Deegan
Michele Boudreau Deegan was a psychologist. And according to her website, she provides professional counseling for individuals, couples, and adolescents. Before the tragedy, she shared several articles on narcissism on her Facebook page.
One commenter wrote, "By these posts she was screaming to help herself."
Another one writes, "Omg she was contemplating this the whole time she was sharing her thoughts."
"How heartbreaking! My heart goes out to her as a mother and someone who has struggled for 18 years w depression!" another commented.
"This was a cry for help. She was dealing with so much of what we do when the courts cant see the NPD."
"My whole heart and soul goes out to you and your babies. May you all rest in peace."
Reports said that people have been looking out for the twins. At one point, they altered child welfare authorities before the girls were killed. They said that Deegan looked very troubled, and the girls were rarely seen outside their home.
Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo told KIRO 7 that it was a real tragic situation. They added they are "trying to get more information on what might have motivated someone to do something this horrific."
"Tell someone, don't be silent."
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office provided several resources both locally and online for people to reach out for help "if you are feeling like you want to harm yourself or others."
- The VOA Care Crisis Line at 1-800-584-3578;
- by texting "TALK" to 741741;
- call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK(8255); or
- www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Lastly, if a friend or family member expresses suicidal ideations, the police encourage you to please tell someone! You can contact your local 9-1-1. You can also use the same numbers listed for Care Crisis Line or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline." Don't be silent.
