Two Found Dead Inside Latah County, Idaho Home Following Welfare Check in Juliaetta
The Latah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after two people were found dead inside a Juliaetta, Idaho home following a welfare check on Thursday, April 24, 2026.
According to a press release issued by the Latah County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), deputies were dispatched to conduct a welfare check at a residence in Juliaetta. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two individuals inside the home. The deceased have been identified as Kent Rotchy, 66, and Krysta Rotchy, 65.
The sheriff’s office stated in its release that there was “no evidence that other individuals were present or involved with this tragic event.” Authorities have not yet released information regarding the cause or manner of death, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Active Scene Prompted Public Warning Thursday Night
Deputies posted a public notice Thursday evening advising Juliaetta residents and travelers to avoid the area surrounding the active scene. The LCSO asked for the public’s cooperation as investigators worked the scene through the evening hours.
The town of Juliaetta, located in southern Latah County along the Potlatch River corridor, is a small agricultural community situated along Highway 3. Latah County deputies had previously investigated an active scene in Juliaetta, and law enforcement agencies in the county have worked to maintain a strong presence in smaller communities throughout the region.
As of Friday, the LCSO indicated no further details were available for public release. Officials have not identified whether foul play is suspected, and no arrests have been made in connection with the deaths.
Investigation Ongoing, No Suspects Named
The Latah County Sheriff’s Office has not indicated whether outside agencies have been called in to assist with the investigation. Welfare checks are often initiated by concerned family members, neighbors, or other parties who have been unable to make contact with an individual, and in this case resulted in the discovery of the two deceased residents.
The LCSO’s statement that no evidence of third-party involvement was found may suggest investigators are not treating the deaths as homicides at this time, though officials stopped short of making any formal classification public. The investigation is expected to continue in the coming days as deputies and investigators process evidence gathered at the scene.
Latah County, home to communities including Moscow, Troy, Deary, Genesee, Juliaetta, and Bovill, is served by the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, which handles law enforcement for the unincorporated areas of the county and smaller municipalities. The sheriff’s office has historically maintained a close working relationship with the communities it serves, and deputies were quick to communicate with the public regarding the active scene Thursday night.
Latah County has seen its share of high-profile law enforcement investigations in recent years. Emails previously revealed how campus police tracked down Bryan Kohberger’s vehicle weeks before he emerged as a suspect in a separate case, underscoring the investigative capabilities of local and regional law enforcement agencies operating in northern Idaho.
The sheriff’s office has asked those with any relevant information to contact authorities. No tip line or specific contact information was included in the initial press release, but residents are encouraged to reach out to the LCSO directly.
Further information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses and officials are able to confirm additional details.
What Comes Next
The Latah County Sheriff’s Office has indicated the investigation remains open with no further details currently available for release. Investigators are expected to continue processing the scene and conducting interviews as part of standard procedure in an unexplained death case. Latah County News will continue to follow this story as new information becomes available from law enforcement. For statewide public safety news, visit Idaho News and the Idaho News Network.