Hospital tech shot multiple times in Prosser domestic violence attack, autopsy finds

A Prosser woman was shot multiple times in front of her 6-year-old after a crash at a rural Benton County intersection.

An autopsy of Annie Ruvalcaba-Barrera, 39, confirmed this week she died as a result of the shooting, Coroner Bill Leach told the Tri-City Herald.

Her husband, Jose L. Barrera Carrazco, 40, had a single gunshot wound in the head, he said.

The coroner’s office is not conducting an autopsy for Barrera Carrazco since it’s clear that he died from the gunshot but his blood will be tested for possible drugs or alcohol, he said.

Officials have confirmed the murder-suicide happened following a collision at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, near the intersection of Rothrock and Evans roads north of Prosser. The couple lived in the area. Investigators said one of the cars intentionally hit the other before the shooting.

Details about the relationship between the couple have remained unclear, however, sheriff’s investigators have said the shooting was an act of domestic violence. They have not said if they investigated previous domestic violence calls involving the couple.

Family members said Ruvalcaba-Barrera, a Prosser High School graduate, was a devoted mother of five and had a granddaughter.

She worked at Prosser Memorial Hospital as a cardio pulmonary technician. She been at the hospital for five years, starting in housekeeping.

Officials said Tuesday they were still conducting interviews and there was “significant forensic data” that needed to be analyzed.

“This is a deeply tragic event that impacts many individuals, families and our community as a whole,” officials said during a Tuesday news conference. “Our investigators are committed to gathering all facts to help provide clarity and closure for all those affected.”

This story was originally published November 21, 2025 at 11:09 AM.