Richland Police Investigating Death of 34 Year Old Woman

On October 25, 2011 at 10:00 p.m., Richland Police were dispatched to a vehicle accident in the parking lot of Gesa Credit Union on Goethals Drive. When officers arrived, they discovered a 1978 Ford Pickup driving backwards in circles. The truck was unoccupied. However, Richland resident Melissa T. Moone was found lying in the parking lot. She appeared to have been struck by the pickup. Moone was taken to Kadlec Medical Center where she was later pronounced deceased. Moone was 34 years old.

Accident Reconstructionists were call to the scene to investigate the incident. Moone had borrowed the truck from friends. It is believed that Moone was alone at the time of the accident. Investigators believe this to be an accident and there is no immediate indication of criminal activity, however Richland Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident. The Benton County Coroner's Office is also assisting in the investigation.

For Additional Inforamtion: Contact Sergeant Mike Harrison 509-942-7367.