WSP: Dead body found in suitcase near I-5, I-90 interchange identified
Oct 4, 2024, 3:05 PM | Updated: 6:18 pm
Human remains were found at a homeless encampment near I-5. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has identified the body of a woman found in a suitcase in an encampment near the Interstate 5 (I-5), Interstate 90 (I-90) interchange in Seattle last Friday.
Shannon Marie Caslin-Reeder, 37, was last seen alive around November of 2023. WSP believes Caslin-Reeder lived in or near the encampment.
Workers clearing the encampment first noticed an odor, then discovered the badly decomposed body. Online reports from independent journalist @PhotogSteve81 on Instagram said the body was that of a woman, and the body was found inside a suitcase. However, WSP wouldn’t confirm the details.
“Death in the outdoors and especially death at the hands of someone who has done evil to another person can create great indignities to a human body and this body suffered those indignities,” WSP Spokesperson Chris Loftis told KIRO Newsradio.
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WSP’s investigation took a backseat as the King County Medical Examiner’s Office worked to identify the victim and determine the cause and manner of death.
“Hopefully we will be able to share the basics, gender, age that sort of thing,” Loftis said on September 30. “Bottom line is, this person, regardless of who they were, regardless of their life story, it was a human story and we’re going to treat them with as much dignity as we possibly can.”
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The case is being investigated as a homicide and so far, there are no suspects.
“When the information allows us, we’re going to pursue this investigation and hopefully bring someone to justice,” Loftis said.
James Lynch is a reporter at KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of James’ stories here. Follow James on X, or email him here.
This story was originally published on September 30, 2024, at 3 p.m. It has been updated and republished since then.
