Arrest made in investigation after body found on Semiahmoo Spit

BLAINE, Wash. — Officials with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) announced today, April 13th, they arrested a 62-year-old woman on suspicion of 2nd degree murder as a result of the investigation following a body being located on Semiahmoo Spit on April 7th.

The deceased had been identified as Thomas Flood, age 67, of Island County and his body was found with multiple gunshot wounds and the Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death to be a homicide.

Today’s announcement said the investigation resulted in establishing probable cause to arrest Lynda Clare Mercy, age 62, of Bellingham on suspicion of 2nd degree murder.

Deputies arrested Mercy today without incident and she was booked into Whatcom County Jail according to the announcement.

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Officials added, “We are not seeking any other suspects at this time. This remains an active and ongoing investigation.”

Officials said yesterday that they were interested in locating a subject seen getting out of what was believed to be Flood’s van and purchasing products at a Bellingham convenience store sometime between the murder and when the van was located abandoned in Fairhaven in the morning of April 8th.

“This case is an excellent example of law enforcement and community members working together to identify and take the suspect in this case into custody,” said WCSO Undersheriff Chadwick. “Our investigators have worked day and night to piece together this case and follow up on tips provided by multiple citizens in response to our request for information. We appreciate the assistance of both the Blaine and Bellingham Police Departments, who provided critical information that leads to the suspect’s arrest. As we continue to investigate, our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends as we seek justice for Thomas Flood.”

Any information regarding this case can be submitted to the WCSO tip line at 360-778-6663.