Couple's bodies found near home of suspect ‘who killed them to avoid eviction'
Washington State deputies believe they've recovered the bodies of the missing Thurston County couple off Stedman Road Southeast on Joint Base Lewis-McChord property.
The corpses of Davido and Karen Koep were discovered fewer than one mile from their property by passersby who were whipping four-wheelers through the area. The suspected murderer was reportedly living on that property as a tenant. Authorities speculate the couple was kidnapped and then murdered.
“Detectives responded to the scene to investigate the discovery, and sadly we believe Davido and Karen Koep have been located based on the preliminary investigation,” said a spokesperson. County detectives are working with federal agencies to determine the next steps because the bodies were found on federal property.
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Karen's younger sister Pauline said the discovery gave her closure (King5)
The couple left behind two children (King5)There is currently no determined cause of death but detectives believe a shooting occurred due to the presence of shell cases. “At first, it felt like another punch to the gut. I got nauseous. I got shaky and sad," Pauline Dutton, Karen Koep's younger sister, said. “I’m grateful. I’m grateful that we were able to find them so that we can now stop worrying. Stop wondering. Have a proper burial and memorial for them.”
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Thurston County deputies arrested Timothy Burke in connection with the case. He has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping and was denied bail.
Burke worked at the couple’s rental property in exchange for housing and was about to be evicted, Ms Dutton previously said.
While obviously distraught over her sister's fate, Pauline said the discovery has brought her closure. The bodies have yet to be identified, but the younger sister is certain it's Karen. “What this brings is the ability for everyone to stop worrying and wondering. I’m glad they were found. I’m 99% positive it’s them. It’s close to their rental property where the tenant lived,” she explained.
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Timothy Burke has been arrested in connection with the case (FOX13)Pauline said she and the family are taking care of Davido and Koep's children. “We’re trying to support them financially, mentally and spiritually. Support them and surround them with our love.”
The couple's neighbour, Keith, said he was a patient of Karen's. He added that their disappearance had left a massive void in the community, according to KIRO.
“She was my own personal doctor and I find it very frustrating that here’s the community going through this grieving, feeling very bad for all the people and families affected by this,” he said. “I’m outraged. I’m angry. And somehow the wheels of justice have to turn in a good way. My prayers for the family. It’s been one of the most miserable days of my life.”
“We love them so much and we’re really going to miss them, but we know that we will see them again someday,” Pauline said.
The couple's disappearance was made known last month after Thurston County officials went to conduct a welfare check for an individual who hadn't shown up to work.
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