Kent family seeks answers in 2021 disappearance and likely murder of Austin Leming

Nearly five years after Austin Leming disappeared from a Kent apartment complex, his family is still waiting to learn where he is.

He’s presumed deceased, but Leming’s remains have not been found, and his mother, Karen Leming, is asking anyone with information to come forward.

Austin Leming was 36 when he was last seen on Dec. 8, 2021, at a downtown Kent apartment complex.

Last November, Kent police arrested Brian Mares, 46, after investigators found blood and other physical evidence inside Mares’ apartment. The medical examiner issued a death certificate, but Karen Leming said her family still does not know what happened or where his remains can be found.

“We’re left hanging without knowing where Austin is, and that means that we can’t bury him,” she said. “Until we get some type of closure, we can’t really heal.”

$34,000 reward offered for information in Austin Leming’s disappearance

Karen Leming described her son as hardworking and full of personality. He loved his son, ran a landscaping business, and made live-edge benches and tables.

She said she learned more about the case after seeing a probable-cause document nearly a year ago. She also said detectives have not shared many details of the investigation with the family.

A $34,000 reward is being offered for information related to the case. Anyone with information about Austin Leming’s disappearance, or where his remains can be found, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 800-222-TIPS. Tips can be made anonymously.

“If it was your loved one, wouldn’t you want somebody to come forward and tell you where he is,” Karen Leming said. “So that you can bury your family member and give them proper respect and dignity in life?”

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