Kalama, Wash. — A tense search for a wanted man ended in tragedy early Tuesday, January 27, when law enforcement found 25‑year‑old Deyshawn Joshua Namock inside a Kalama home with what appeared to be a self‑inflicted gunshot wound after hours of efforts to bring him into custody. Namock’s death came after a day of violent incidents that left the community shaken and investigators piecing together a serious felony case.
Officers from the Kelso and Longview Police Departments, backed by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Team, had been looking for Namock on multiple outstanding warrants, including escape from community custody. Detectives said he was also linked to charges of robbery, second‑degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm, along with burglary and domestic violence allegations earlier that same day. The active search began after Longview Police responded to a reported assault and robbery involving Namock, in which a woman was assaulted and her cell phone and vehicle were taken, police said.
Investigators traced the stolen vehicle to a residence on the 100 block of Star Road in Kalama, believing Namock was inside. Law enforcement surrounded the home and repeatedly broadcasted commands for anyone inside to come out. A woman associated with Namock, her child and another adult exited and cooperated with police. Homeowners at the address told authorities they were unaware of Namock’s involvement or the stolen vehicle. Despite repeated calls for him to surrender, Namock did not respond.
With no sign of compliance, a Kelso detective secured a search warrant and the Lower Columbia SWAT Team moved in to conduct a detailed sweep of the property. During the search, officers heard a muffled sound from the attic. Using a pole camera to look up into the space, they located a person unresponsive. When law enforcement reached the attic, they found Namock with what appeared to be a self‑inflicted gunshot wound and a semiautomatic pistol nearby. The stolen cell phone was also recovered in the attic.
Emergency medical crews from Cowlitz County Fire District 5 provided aid, but Namock was pronounced dead at the scene. The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office took custody of his body as part of the ongoing investigation.
The ordeal has left the community reflecting on its complex emotions. A life marked by serious allegations ended far too soon, and the ripple effects of violence and loss are being felt by families and neighbors alike. Authorities are continuing their review of the case as part of standard procedures following an incident involving a fatal wound during a law enforcement operation.
As Kalama residents absorb the news, police and sheriff’s officials stress that investigations into violent crime and efforts to bring suspects to justice are carried out with deep concern for public safety. Even as details emerge from official reports, the human toll—on victims, on families, and on a community—remains sharply in focus.
