Brothers identified as suspects in Kendall shooting

Investigators have identified two Whatcom County men as suspects in last week’s shooting near Kendall that left two men injured.

In an emailed statement Tuesday afternoon, March 28, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office identified James Franklin Gamble, 34, and his brother Christopher David Gamble, 31, as suspects in the incident.

One of the suspects was injured in an apparent gun battle at the home, and a third man — who was described as the victim — suffered facial injuries, said Chief Deputy Roger Funk.

“It was a self-defense type of situation,” Funk told The Bellingham Herald in a telephone call.

The victim, who was not named, is recovering and is no longer hospitalized, Funk said.

Both Gamble brothers are facing charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and first-degree assault in the shooting at 7:30 a.m. Friday, March 24, in the 6100 block of Hawthorn Place.

Christopher Gamble also faces arrest on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm and felony harassment, according to the Sheriff’s Office statement.

“Both suspects are known to reside in and associate with others in the Paradise Lakes area,” the statement said.

The condition of the two shooting victims was unknown Tuesday.

Firefighters took both victims, who weren’t named, to St. Joseph hospital with apparent gunshot wounds, Chief Deputy Roger Funk said in an emailed statement last week.

“(An) initial report indicated a man had been shot in the face during an altercation. Deputies and fire personnel were able to get this man to medical attention and he was transported to the hospital,” Funk said.

“A second man was located that had also been injured during this incident. He too was transported to the hospital,” he said.