Spokane woman died from trauma to head

Spokane police are investigating the death of a woman found late last month at her home.

Emily Simons, 51, was found by her boyfriend, Rick Krupke, and his sister at 417 W. Kiernan Ave. on Oct. 31, according to a search warrant filed Wednesday.

Simons died from blunt force trauma to the head, according to an autopsy performed Nov. 3, but the Spokane County medical examiner’s office has not determined a manner of death, such as an accident or homicide.

Krupke has been arrested several times for allegedly assaulting Simons, court records say. Most recently, Krupke was arrested in August for allegedly hitting and choking Simons after they had been drinking at home together and he became angry with her. Simons told the responding officer she had been arguing with him.

Krupke posted a $3,500 bond on Aug. 4 and was released from jail, with a protection order filed to prevent him from having contact with Simons or going to their home. That case still is pending.

Krupke told police he went to see Simons on Oct. 28, in violation of the protection order, but did not assault her, court records say. He said he was concerned she had been drinking heavily and needed to turn off the water so the pipes wouldn’t freeze.

Between Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, Simons called several friends and family members, as well as Krupke, and left messages on their phones while intoxicated. In a message to her sister on Oct. 27, she said she had blood coming from her nose and mouth and said, “He really did it this time.” Her sister said Simons spoke with her after the message and never mentioned Krupke assaulting her, court records say.

Krupke told police he asked his sister to check on Simons on Oct. 31 because he was worried about her welfare. When Simons didn’t answer, Krupke came over, unlocked the door and went inside.

Krupke said he found several vodka bottles and thought Simons had died because of alcohol-related causes, court records say. The autopsy report said Simons had cirrhosis of the liver, but it was not listed as the cause of death.

Additional test results are pending, and police still are investigating.

According to an obituary, Simons grew up in Coulee City, attending Almira/Hartline High School and graduating from Omak High School. She also attended Spokane Community College. She leaves behind two sons, two sisters, two grandsons and an extended family.