Missing Washington Couple Found Dead at Military Base; Disgruntled Tenant Arrested for Double Homicide

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
04/12/2023 22h31

In a tragic turn of events, the bodies of a Washington state couple who had gone missing last month were discovered at a military base over the weekend. Authorities confirmed that the couple, identified as Davido and Karen Koep, were allegedly kidnapped and murdered by their disgruntled tenant. Thurston County sheriff's deputies and military base police made the disturbing discovery after responding to a report of a body found on the property owned by Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Sheriff Derek Sanders expressed his sorrow, stating, "Sadly, we believe Davido and Karen Koep have been located based on the preliminary investigation." The bodies were found in close proximity to the couple's rented home, less than half a mile away.

The suspect in custody, 45-year-old Timothy Burke, had been arrested last month and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the Koeps' disappearance. According to sources, Burke was on the verge of being evicted when he allegedly shot the couple inside their Lacey home. After committing the heinous act, he reportedly dragged their bodies to the garage, leaving a trail of blood, and loaded them into the trunk of their car before fleeing to dispose of them.

Burke evaded capture for four days before being apprehended by sheriff's deputies near a hiking trail. Investigators have not revealed a motive for the double homicide, but Karen Koep's sister, Pauline Dutton, suggested that Burke's impending eviction coupled with his deteriorating mental state may have played a role. "Apparently, there were some emails that went back and forth between him and Davido," Dutton revealed. "He thought that Davido was poisoning the water on the property. This poor gentleman definitely was having some mental issues."

Karen Koep, a well-respected 63-year-old chiropractor in her community, leaves behind a grieving community and two sons, along with her 68-year-old husband. The shocking and brutal nature of their deaths has sent shockwaves through the local area, leaving friends and neighbors in disbelief. The investigation into the case is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident.

It serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can be posed by individuals with deteriorating mental health and the importance of vigilance and support for those who may be struggling. The loss of the Koep couple has left a void in their community, as they were respected members and beloved figures. Their memory will live on, but the pain of their sudden and senseless deaths will be felt for a long time to come.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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