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Update on Encampment Homicide Investigation

October 4, 2024

Seattle, Washington- The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Washington State Patrol (WSP) continues its homicide investigation of the human remains found in an encampment near the junction of I-5 and I-90 in Seattle. The remains were positively identified as 37-year-old Shannon Marie Caslin Reeder. Ms. Reeder was known to reside in the area. Detectives are working with those who knew her to put together a timeline of her movements prior to her death and eventual discovery of her remains. At this point in the investigation, the last confirmed local sighting of Shannon was in November of 2023.

Notification of her out-of-state family has been made and CID detectives are in contact with them as the investigation into her death continues.

Incident Background: On Friday, September 27, shortly after 9:00 a.m., human remains were found inside a large suitcase during an encampment resolution effort. The State of Washington led by The Washington Department of Commerce, The Washington State Department of Transportation, and WSP, along with local municipalities and non-profits have partnered in a years-long effort to resolve homeless encampments located in state rights-of-way along busy roadways. This effort includes working with those encamped to find safer and more sustainable housing options, then cleaning the area and adding additional security architecture and landscaping to keep re-encampment from occurring. State and local workers and local non-profits were assisting encampment residents and clearing the site of debris when the startling discovery was made. WSP personnel, who are on-site to provide a safe operating environment in these efforts, immediately secured the area and called in CID investigators. The remains were turned over to the medical examiner for identification while CID detectives began a full homicide investigation.

Detectives continue to investigate Shannon’s death and are seeking information from anyone who has seen Shannon or had contact with her in the last 12 months. Anyone with information, that might be helpful in finding out what happened to Shannon, or who might have knowledge of who may have been involved in her untimely death and the callous disposal of her remains are asked to call Detective John Ford at 425-401-7742 or Detective Ivan Sergeev at 425-401-7719.

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Release sent by Chris Loftis, Director of Communications

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