A tragic incident in unincorporated Poulsbo, Washington, has left a local community in mourning after Richard Gaines and Marjorie Imbiorski-Gaines, a married couple, were found dead inside their home early Tuesday morning. Authorities with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) are investigating the case as an apparent murder-suicide.
Richard and Marjorie Gaines Identified as Couple Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide in Poulsbo
Deputies and emergency crews responded to the residence shortly before 7:00 a.m., after reports of an apparent suicide and small fire inside the home. According to Poulsbo Fire Chief Jim Gillard, firefighters quickly extinguished the flames before turning the scene over to law enforcement.
When deputies entered the home, they discovered two deceased adults — later identified as Richard Gaines and Marjorie Gaines — both residents of the property.
Scene Secured, No Threat to the Public
Sheriff’s spokesperson Kevin McCarty confirmed that the scene was secure and that detectives are not searching for any suspects. “There is no ongoing threat to the public,” McCarty said. “This appears to be a contained and isolated incident.”
Due to previous issues involving thefts at active crime scenes, the sheriff’s office declined to release the exact address or street name. The home, officials said, is located in a secluded area outside city limits.
The Kitsap County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death and conduct formal identification procedures. However, multiple law enforcement sources have confirmed that preliminary findings point toward a murder-suicide involving the couple.
A Son’s Devastating Discovery
Family members told investigators that the couple’s son made the heartbreaking discovery after visiting the home Tuesday morning. He found both parents lifeless and immediately called authorities.
Neighbors described the Gaines family as quiet, kind, and close-knit. “It’s shocking. They were good people — always polite and friendly,” one neighbor shared. “Marjorie loved to bake and cook. She’d bring cookies or pies over during the holidays. You couldn’t ask for a nicer neighbor.”
Remembering Marjorie and Richard
Marjorie Imbiorski-Gaines was remembered by friends as a warm, nurturing person who cared deeply for her family and community. She was known for her hospitality, her home-cooked meals, and her generous spirit.
Her husband, Richard Gaines, was described as a hardworking and private man who had lived in the area for many years. Together, the couple built a quiet life in their Poulsbo home — one that friends say revolved around family, food, and simple pleasures.
Detectives from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit remain on scene, collecting evidence and interviewing family members and neighbors. Authorities have not disclosed a potential motive, though they emphasized that the deaths are being investigated thoroughly and sensitively.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Funeral arrangements for Richard and Marjorie Gaines have not yet been announced. The community of Poulsbo continues to express condolences and support for the family as they cope with this devastating loss.
