Lacey, Washington – November 19, 2023
In a distressing turn of events, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday night that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Karen Koep and her partner, Davido, a Washington couple reported missing earlier this week. The couple is now believed to have been tragically killed, and authorities have taken swift action in this harrowing case.
Karen Koep, a chiropractor, was reported missing on Monday after failing to show up for work, prompting concern among friends and family. When attempts to reach the couple were unsuccessful, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office initiated a wellness check at their residence in Lacey, only to find it empty.
On Friday night, local time, the sheriff’s office disclosed that they had identified a suspect and have reason to believe that the couple did not survive an attack at their home.
The suspect, a man in his 40s from Olympia, Washington, located just east of the couple’s residence, was apprehended on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping. Notably, the suspect was known to the victims.
Despite earlier reports stating the disappearance as “suspicious,” the sheriff’s office refrained from providing additional details initially. However, as the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that the circumstances surrounding the couple’s disappearance were more sinister than initially thought.
Karen Koep’s sister, Pauline Dutton, expressed her disbelief that the couple would willingly leave their home. Dutton mentioned that the last communication she had with her sister was via text message on November 10, raising concerns about the couple’s well-being.
The unsettling discovery of the couple’s 2015 silver Toyota Yaris on a street in Lacey further intensified the investigation, pointing towards a potential crime scene.
As authorities work tirelessly to unravel the details surrounding this tragic incident, the community awaits further updates on the fate of Karen Koep and Davido.
The arrest of the suspect brings a sense of urgency to the investigation, shedding light on the disturbing circumstances surrounding the disappearance of this Washington couple. The community, gripped by shock and grief, looks to law enforcement for answers and justice as they grapple with the loss of two lives.