Victim of stray bullet in Ferndale identified

Investigators are still trying to sort of the facts in the case of a young woman, killed by a stray bullet in Ferndale. The woman is identified as Alyssa Smith, 23, of Bellingham. She was struck by gunfire while attending a Father’s Day barbecue Sunday.

Whatcom County Undersheriff Jeff Parks said detectives continue to interview witnesses.

“We do have a number of folks out doing the investigation necessary and interviewing people and interviewing the family and any other witnesesses, including neighbors, who might be able to give us some more information,” said Parks.

The gunfire came from about half-a-mile away, on farmland across the Nooksack River. It is not a “no-shooting zone,” said Parks.

Two felons were arrested for illegally having firearms but more serious charges are possible.