Remains of 2 bodies found in suitcases on West Seattle beach identified
SEATTLE — Seattle police have identified the remains of two bodies found inside bags earlier this month on a West Seattle beach.
On June 19, police responded after getting a call about a suspicious bag on the beach near the water in the 1100 block of Alki Avenue SW.
Another bag was found in the water, and once the contents inside were determined to be human remains, detectives responded to investigate, according to a release from the Seattle Police Department.
The King County Medical Examiner's office identified the deceased as 35-year-old Jessica Lewis who died in Seattle on June 16 from multiple gunshot wounds. The second victim was identified as 27-year-old Austin Wenner who died of a gunshot wound to the torso on June 16. The manner of death for both victims is homicide.
Detectives said they do not believe this case is connected to any other investigations in the Puget Sound area.
There are no suspects in custody.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000.
King County Sheriff's detective on leave over Facebook posts about Seattle protesters
King County Sheriff's detective on leave over Facebook posts about Seattle proteSEATTLE — The King County Sheriff's Office said Monday it has placed a detective on leave as it investigates Facebook posts that ridiculed protesters who were struck by a car on a closed freeway over the weekend.
Detective Mike Brown has been with the sheriff's office for more than four decades. He is also part of King County Executive Dow Constantine's protection
The King County Sheriff's Office said it was notified of the posts — including one that reportedly said "All lives splatter" — on Sunday and forwarded the matter to its internal investigations unit for an expedited review.
Another post on the same account appeared to mock the death of Lorenzo Anderson, a 19-year-old who was shot and killed during the Capitol Hill Organized Protest, also known as CHOP.
King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht said that other sheriff's office employees who participated in reactions or comments on the posts will also be investigated and could face disciplinary action.
“Our intent is to make sure that we gather and do a good investigation that we do it thoroughly and I think the community expects that of us,” Johanknecht said.
“I want to be clear we value all members of our community and we are committed to serving everyone with dignity and respect,” she said.
The sheriff's office and the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight are investigating. There is no timeline on completion. The final decision on discipline will come from the sheriff.
Johanknecht said posts like the ones that Brown is accused of posting can undo the good work of other deputies and staff members.
"I've had the opportunity before to express what good work a lot of the members of KCSO do and majority do every day. It just takes one event like this that it tanks the entire office potentially,” Johanknecht said.
Brown's day-to-day responsibilities included being part of the Executive Protection Team. He has been in this role for several King County executives.
However, when reached, Constantine's office declined to comment.
"This is a King County Sheriff's Office internal personnel matter and an open investigation. As such, the Executive's Office defers comment," the office said in a prepared statement.
It was not immediately clear if Brown had obtained a lawyer. The King County Police Officers Guild did not immediately return an email seeking comment.