Family of man found murdered in Everett swamp begs for help finding killer

Everett police are looking for a killer of 54-year-old David Webster, whose body was found in a swamp just off I-5.

Webster’s family said Tuesday that he had some serious struggles and was likely living in the homeless encampment where his body was discovered, but they also said he was a loving father, grandfather and partner.

Tammy Thayer has spent the better part of the last 30 years of life with David Webster.

“He was the love of my life,” she explained.

Tuesday she asked us to take her to the spot where he died. With support from friends who also knew and adored David, she brought flowers and a card. She read us part of her message:

“David both me and our daughter Heidi and your son Herb love you very much.”

David Webster was a husband, father, grandfather, respiratory therapist … and a drug addict. That could have contributed to his murder at an Everett homeless encampment. (KIRO 7)

Tammy says David was smart — once a respiratory therapist, a student at the University of Washington, and a Navy veteran, but also a drug addict. It was the drugs that won out.

“And that is the only reason, the only reason that I’m not with David now,” Tammy told us, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Tuesday Everett police combed the swampy hillside where David’s body was discovered last week.

They don’t know if the person who killed David lives there but they are confident someone in the homeless encampment at least has information that would be helpful in solving the case.

“There’s probably other people who have seen things out here and we’re asking for their help to give us some idea of what went on here,” Aaron Snell with the Everett Police Department told us.

Tammy is asking too — begging. She hopes solving David’s death may bring him the peace he could never find in life.