In Medical Lake, Washington, an 11-year-old lost her life in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call at approximately 4:40 pm on November 26, 2023, reporting a severely injured girl on North Prentis Street. 

Deputies and Spokane County fire personnel arrived at the scene to find Lilea “Lilly” Stolworthy critically injured. Despite immediate medical attention, Lilly succumbed to her injuries after being transported to a local hospital. 

The Spokane Medical Examiner confirmed a gunshot wound to the head as the cause of death.

Further investigation revealed that Lilly had been with her brother, 31-year-old Jordan Brownlow, outside their home shortly before the incident. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the area. 

Brownlow was subsequently discovered in a Mustang on North Graham Road, suffering from a critical, self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

On November 29, their mother, Darel Stolworthy, reported Brownlow’s death.

Lilly, a sixth-grade student at Medical Lake School, was remembered at a candlelight vigil at Wilcox Park. The event saw a gathering of almost 100 friends, classmates, and community members who shared memories and lit candles in her honor.

Lilly’s mother opened up about the mental health struggles faced by Lilly and Brownlow. Lilly, who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, had experienced challenges with her mental health, including multiple suicide attempts. She became violent at home, and though she was on medication, the family had difficulty finding appropriate counseling care for her. Brownlow, another of the 12 Stolworthy children, including four who were adopted, also had attempted suicide. Both children were facing increasing mental health issues at the same time Mrs. Stolworthy said. She did not know if the murder-suicide was planned but said Lilly had talked of wanting to “be done” with life. In a statement, Lilly’s mother expressed her belief that both her children are now at peace.