Two bodies discovered at a military base are believed to be the remains of a missing couple who were allegedly kidnapped and murdered by a tenant they were trying to evict.
Karen Koep and Davido went missing in mid-November and a tenant at their property, Timothy Burke, 45, was arrested a week later in connection with their presumed deaths.
On Saturday, Thurston County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a body at Joint Base Lewis-McChord off Stedman Road SE in Washington state, the agency wrote on Facebook. During the investigation, they found a second body.
‘Sadly, we believe Davido and Karen Koep have been located based on the preliminary investigation,’ stated the sheriff’s office.
Both bodies have been sent to the county coroner for identification.
The ‘bittersweet news’ was also shared on a GoFundMe page for the couple.
‘While nothing can ever bring back this beloved couple, we can now begin the painful process of grieving and healing as we lay them to rest,’ wrote Susan Cannizzo on the page.
‘As a family, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support and love we have received throughout this difficult time.’
Davido, who did not legally have a last name, was renting his property in Lake Forest to tenants in camper vans, including Burke. He and Koep, a chiropractor, were last heard from on November 10 and a few days later, sheriff’s deputies entered their home and found blood stains, two bullet holes and signs of bleach and vacuum usage, according to court documents.
A detective also found a partially written eviction notice by Davido for Burke.
Karen Koep’s younger sister, Pauline Dutton, told KIRO 7 on Sunday: ‘At first, it felt like another punch to the gut. I got nauseous. I got shaky and sad.
‘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.’
Burke was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. His arraignment in county court scheduled for Tuesday at 9am.
The GoFundMe page had raised more than $14,000 as of Monday evening. The donations will help the couple’s children, Justice and Cato, make funeral arrangements for their parents.
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