EPD identifies victims of D street homicide

On August 3, 2018, at about 8:08 p.m., officers of the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to the 3200 block of D Street for a welfare check call.

Based on the totality of the circumstances, officers ultimately forced entry into the residence and began checking the interior.

Upon entering a bedroom of the residence, officers located a deceased female laying on the floor. The female had multiple lacerations about her upper torso and head.

A deceased male was found hanging nearby in the closet. The male had superficial lacerations to his wrists.

 Located on the bed was the decedent’s 7 month old child. The child appeared uninjured, but was transported to St. Joseph ER for medical evaluation. The child was determined to be in good health and was released to Child Welfare Services staff.

Due to the extent of the injuries to the female, a visual positive identification could not be determined and identification would have to be made by means of fingerprint results.

On August 8, 2018, autopsies were conducted and positive identification was released by the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office.

The female was identified as Astraia Marie Muir (39 Years old). The cause of death was determined to be murder, by means of multiple incised wounds.

The male was identified as Matthew Orion Julius Muir (42 Years old). The cause of death was determined to be suicide, by means of asphyxia.