Former deputy coroner's death ruled a suicide

Former Kitsap County Deputy Coroner Jane Jermy died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, according to a report completed by the Thurston County Coroner’s office earlier this month.

Deputy Coroner Gary Warnock said the manner of Jermy’s death was determined using a combination of evidence gathered at the scene of her death and information gathered by law enforcement officers.

Jermy, 47, was found dead in her home by Kitsap County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a 911 call the afternoon of Sept. 23.

The only other occupant of the home at the time was her husband, Frank Jermy, 45, who was later transported to the hospital. His medical condition was not released.

Shortly after Jermy’s body was discovered, the Washington State Patrol took over the investigation at the request of the Sheriff’s Office, which spokesman Deputy Scott Wilson said was to avoid any conflict of interest due to both the deceased and her husband being employed in the past by the county.

Lt. Clint Casebolt of the WSP said it’s not uncommon for the WSP to take over death investigations. However, it usually only does so on the specific request of another agency.

Jane Jermy served as chief deputy coroner for Kitsap County for more than 10 years before her dismissal in 1999. Frank Jermy was hired as a deputy in 1983, but was placed on administrative leave after his arrest in a domestic violence incident between he and his wife involving a firearm in October of 2000, according to Wilson.

In January of 2001, Frank Jermy was fired from the Sheriff’s Office for “violation of rules and policies.”

Three months later, he pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence assault in Kitsap County Superior Court.

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