Woman Fatally Stabbed on Remote Island, Suspect Found Dead in Submerged Car Hours Later

Ketron Island, WA – June 25, 2025 — A peaceful summer night on Washington’s tiny Ketron Island ended in tragedy this weekend after a woman was stabbed to death outside her home—and her alleged attacker was later found dead inside a car submerged in Puget Sound.

The incident began around 9 p.m. on Sunday when residents heard screaming and found 26-year-old Nicole Bessette lying outside her home with stab wounds. Neighbors immediately called 911 and tried to help, but because Ketron Island is only accessible by ferry, it took precious time for emergency responders to arrive. Despite life-saving efforts, Bessette died at the scene.

As Pierce County deputies rushed to the island, witnesses reported seeing Bessette’s boyfriend, 30-year-old Corey Chase Smith, driving erratically near the ferry dock. Then, a loud splash echoed across the water.

Search and rescue teams launched a dive operation early Monday morning. Using underwater equipment, they found Smith’s vehicle about 30 feet below the surface. His body was inside. Authorities believe he deliberately drove off the dock in an apparent murder-suicide.

A one-year-old child who lived with the couple was found safe at a neighbor’s home and is now in the custody of Child Protective Services. Officials say the child was unharmed and had likely been dropped off before the attack took place.

With only a handful of full-time residents, Ketron Island is rarely the scene of violent crime. Many neighbors told local reporters they were shocked by the violence and heartbroken for the young child left behind.

Pierce County authorities continue to investigate the sequence of events, but early evidence strongly suggests this was a domestic violence incident that ended in tragedy.