Authorities in Thurston County, Washington have discovered two bodies on a military base, which they believe to be those of Davido and Karen Koep, a local couple who had been missing since last month. The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release that based on preliminary investigations, they sadly believe the bodies belong to the Koeps. The couple, aged 68 and 62 respectively, were last seen alive on November 10.
Deputies conducted a welfare check at the couple’s home on November 13 and found evidence suggesting they were attacked and killed at the residence. A suspect, an Olympian man in his 40s who was known to the couple, was arrested last month and charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. According to prosecutors, the suspect had rented a home from the couple and allegedly killed them upon learning he might face eviction.
While the bodies have not been positively identified as the Koeps, Sheriff Derek Sanders stated that investigators are reasonably certain they belong to the missing couple. The coroner’s office is currently working to confirm their identities and determine the cause of death.
The remains were discovered after authorities received a 911 call reporting a body on Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s property. The first body was located, followed by the discovery of a second body nearby. The suspect lived in close proximity to the military base, and the bodies were found less than half a mile from his residence. Sheriff Sanders noted that the remains were not concealed.
During a press conference, Sheriff Sanders expressed hope that the discovery would provide some closure for the families and friends of Davido and Karen Koep, as well as others impacted by their disappearance. The couple’s son, Justice Dutton, expressed gratitude for law enforcement’s dedication to finding his parents and expressed confidence in the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorneys’ efforts to bring the responsible person(s) to justice.
