Washington fire chief is accused of strangling wife of 22 years and making her death look like a seizure 'on day he was planning to leave her for mistress'

A Washington fire chief is facing a murder charge after allegedly strangling his wife and making her death look like a seizure to cover up an affair he was having. 

Kevin West, 49, was arrested last week over two months after he allegedly strangled his wife Marcelle 'Marcy' West to death in their home in Washougal in January.

KGW reported that West told investigators that his wife had a seizure and had stopped breathing, paramedics arrived but she later died. 

Following her death, the Clark County Sheriff's Office said several people were concerned about their relationship and informed police. 

A criminal investigation into her death was launched after an autopsy showed indications that she had suffered trauma to the neck. 

On March 20, the medical examiner determined that she had died from asphyxia with blunt trauma to the neck and ruled her death a homicide. 

In court on Monday, prosecutors said that there was indication that West had deleted messages from a woman he was having an affair with, Cynthia Ward.

Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Smith said West had planned to end his relationship with his wife and move out of their home on the day she died. 

It was also revealed that detectives had uncovered financial problems between the two, including being in around $100,000 of debt. 

According to a probable cause affidavit seen by the outlet, West said to investigators after they learned of the affair that 'there's no way' he would ever leave his wife. 

He said that 'Marcy and I had too much together', and that he had no intention of continuing his affair if something happened to his wife. 

Brian Walker, his attorney, told the court: 'When he was later asked about (the name of the other woman) he fully admitted he had had this affair.

'He wasn't hiding it. He was just never asked about it and was not eager to talk about it.'

West appeared virtually for his arraignment with a judge setting a $1.5 million bail for the father-of-two.

A search of the home found love letters addressed to Ward, one read:  'Next year, 2024 will be our year. 

'We will be together celebrating everyday with love and understanding of what it means for you and I to be together. Our Story will ring in the New Year loud for all to hear!'

The outlet reported that another said: 'There have been so many special memories we have shared in such a short period of time. 

'Just imagine what memories we will create having each other everyday! You and I were seamlessly created for each other. I want you more and more everyday, I love you more and more everyday.'

Using a search warrant, investigators seized the phones of West and his wife with his phone showing attempts to delete her number and text messages from her. 

Recovered messages show that West had spoken to his divorce lawyer and had told his girlfriend's brother-in-law that: 'I'm moving out on Monday. Papers done Tuesday.'

Investigators also said that he text his lovers mom saying: 'I'm meeting my attorney on the 9th and I will have options to decide from and I’m very excited.

'I will also be moving out on the 8th. Next week will be a big week for (she) and I to celebrate. I love you.'

West was the Battalion Chief of the Camas-Washougal Fire Department and earned $160,000 a year according to Oregon Live.