1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out
Laurie Krage's remains, found in Washington in 1997, were identified nearly 30 years after her death through advanced DNA tech.
She was never reported missing, and her alleged husband died of natural causes in 2020.
Detectives are investigating her murder, and they are not yet ruling out the possibility of notorious serial killer Gary Ridgway.
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. - Deputies recently identified human remains, found nearly 30 years ago in Pierce County, as those of Laurie Krage.
Now, the public is getting a closer look at how modern DNA technology brought a 1997 cold case back into an active homicide investigation.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Office announced the update to the case on social media Tuesday, asking anyone with information about Krage between 1995 and 1997 to contact the department.
This marks the 37th case that scientists at Othram Inc. have helped solve in Washington state.
The backstory
On Oct. 13, 1997, a mushroom picker stumbled upon the skeletal remains of a woman while walking through the woods in Wilkeson, a small town southeast of Seattle. The remains were found along Gale Creek Road, about nine miles from Wilkeson School, south of Buckley.
According to Othram, Pierce County detectives determined the remains belonged to a woman between the ages of 20 and 50 who stood about 5 feet 5 inches tall. She was wearing a dark blue, long-sleeved sweatshirt with a Pacific Lutheran University basketball logo and the word "LUTES" on it. She also had size 7 Union Bay blue jeans on and white Reebok tennis shoes in size 4½.
"Her remains were found in an area that she was not known to frequent, and about nine and a half miles away from any major city or town," said PCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Carly Cappetto. "The remains appeared to be in a condition that would resemble a homicide."
Investigators could not identify the woman, and she became known as Pierce County Jane Doe. In 2009, the case was added to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
Dig deeper
Twenty-six years later, the PCSO submitted forensic evidence to Othram in Texas to see if its advanced DNA lab could help identify Jane Doe.
Scientists at Othram were able to extract DNA from the forensic evidence and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to create a detailed genealogical profile of the unidentified woman. The company's forensic genetic genealogy team then used the profile to conduct research, generating new leads for law enforcement.
Using those new leads, a follow-up investigation linked potential relatives to Pierce County Jane Doe. Reference DNA samples were collected, and Othram compared the DNA from potential relatives to Jane Doe's profile, ultimately identifying her as Laurie Kay (Lester) Krage, born Dec. 17, 1959.
What they're saying
"Something like this is heartbreaking for a family to go through, but I do think it's important to know the truth in order to be able to move forward," said Kristen Mittelman, chief development officer at Othram. "We're proud to work with law enforcement, because they're out there every day working to provide answers for families and get some resolution."
What we know
Laurie Krage would have been 36 years old when she died. Deputies say she moved around frequently in the Pierce County area and was known to frequent Lakewood, Kent and the Emerald Queen area.
"Now that we've determined that this is in fact Laurie, we are starting from the ground up on a homicide investigation" PCSO Deputy Carly Cappetto.
Records indicate she was married to Ronald Martin, who died of natural causes in 2020.
"It's known she was married for a few years prior to her disappearance," said Cappetto. "Unfortunately, the alleged husband that she was married to … he died of natural causes in 2020, so we don't have anybody really left to really ask questions."
The PCSO says Laurie has living family members, and detectives have been in contact with them in hopes of solving the homicide and bringing closure to the family.
What we don't know
FOX 13 Seattle asked the Pierce County Sheriff's Office whether Laurie Krage may have been a victim of infamous Washington state serial killer Gary Ridgway, since she likely died during the time he was actively killing.
According to deputies, it's possible — but not certain.
"Nothing is off the table for her being missing, and now that there are circumstances around the remains that were found that would lead us to believe that this is, in fact, a homicide case, nothing is off the table," said Cappetto.
Deputies said there could be several reasons why Laurie was not properly reported missing to authorities, ranging from a possible falling out with friends and family members to people not knowing how to properly file a missing person's report.
"There had been some media on her years ago — about, you know, approximately 28 years ago — on her disappearance in the area, but nobody ever reported her missing," said Cappetto. "So no family members, or the alleged husband that she married, had reported her missing. So, there are some unique, interesting factors around her disappearance."
The PCSO is asking anyone in Pierce County and beyond who may have known her to come forward and provide insight into what her life was like.
"We are starting from the very bottom, just to try to figure out who she was, where she liked to frequent, where she traveled, or even where she stayed and lived," said Cappetto. "At this point, we are just gathering information to go ahead and hopefully solve a homicide case."
What you can do
Anyone who has information about Laurie is asked to contact the PCSO.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by visiting tpcrimestoppers.com or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The Source
Information in this story came from the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, an interview with PCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Carly Cappetto and a press release by Othram Inc.
Seattle driver plummets off multi-story parking garage, 77-year-old rescued
Thousands attend Seattle 'Hands Off!' rally against Trump, Elon Musk
Tacoma police shoot, kill carjacking suspect Saturday afternoon
Sue Bird named to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Trump tariffs live updates: Global markets plunge as countries scramble to respond
USPS mail delivery changes begin: Here's what to know
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Forbes
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs Verdict: Here's Why He May Have Escaped Most Serious Charges
A jury found music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution Wednesday morning, but he escaped his more serious criminal charges, which a legal expert said could be because the prosecution failed to convince jurors Combs forced or coerced his former girlfriends into commercial sex acts. Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal criminal trial stretched for nearly two months, with dozens of witnesses ... More called to the stand. (Photo byfor Sean "Diddy" Combs) Getty Images for Sean "Diddy" Combs Combs faced five federal charges, pleading not guilty to all: one count of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, on which the jury acquitted him, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, for which a jury found him guilty. The jury acquitted Combs of the most serious charges against him, as both the racketeering and sex trafficking charges could have carried life sentences, while the transportation to engage in prostitution charges could land him in prison for two decades. Jurors deliberated for more than 13 hours, and the verdict came quickly Wednesday morning, as jurors sent a note to Subramanian at 9:52 a.m. EDT stating they had come to a unanimous decision on all five counts. Former federal prosecutor Mark Chutkow told Forbes avoiding conviction on the most serious charges was 'positive' for Combs because he dodged the possibility of life in prison. Combs' trial surrounded the 'issue of whether Cassie Ventura and 'Jane' consented to engage in these sexual acts, and the jury has clearly said there was not evidence beyond a reasonable doubt of force, fraud or coercion,' Chutkow said, citing the elements required to prove a sex trafficking charge. Chutkow said the defense 'did a good job of showing these women continued to have a relationship' with Combs and expressed 'affection for him and a desire to engage in' the 'freak-off' performances that were central to the case, citing text exchanges defense lawyers presented to argue Combs' sexual encounters with his former girlfriends were consensual. Chutkow said jurors may have questioned whether Combs' activities rose to the level of running a 'criminal enterprise' as outlined in the racketeering conspiracy statute, stating jurors may have questioned who his co-conspirators were, as Combs was the only person on trial. Yes, Combs could still face prison time for his convictions on the transportation to engage in prostitution charges, though he escaped the possibility of life in prison with his acquittals on the other charges. Each conviction on the prostitution offenses carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and prosecutor Maurene Comey said shortly after the conviction the government intends to pursue a sentence of 20 years in prison for Combs, CNN reported. Chutkow said he would be 'surprised' if Combs was sentenced to the maximum number of years in prison, stating the judge would consider that Combs was acquitted by the jury on the most serious charges. What To Watch For Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest, though his attorneys are pushing for his release. Subramanian told both defense lawyers and prosecutors to write letters arguing their positions on whether Combs should be released on bail, the Associated Press reported, and he adjourned court until the afternoon. Combs appeared to celebrate the verdict in the courtroom, pumping his fist in the air and hugging his defense lawyer Teny Geragos once the verdict was read, multiple outlets reported. Combs' lawyers appeared 'absolutely ecstatic' following the verdict, the New York Times reported. After the verdict was read, Combs turned to his family and mouthed, 'I'm going home.' Outside the courtroom, supporters cheered 'Free Puff!' the Associated Press reported. What Charges Was Diddy Convicted On? One of the transportation to engage in prostitution charges Combs was convicted on related to Cassie Ventura, his ex-girlfriend who was a key witness to the government's case against him. The other prostitution count concerned ex-girlfriend 'Jane,' who took the witness stand under a pseudonym. Transportation to engage in prostitution is illegal under the federal Mann Act, and prosecutors made their case that Combs had transported his former girlfriends and male sex workers across state lines to engage in 'freak off' or 'hotel night' sex performances. How Did Cassie React To The Verdict? Ventura's lawyer Douglas H. Wigdor said in a statement following the verdict her courage to file a lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, which kicked off a barrage of civil suits filed against Combs alleging crimes like sexual assault and sex trafficking, made his eventual conviction possible. 'Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in,' Wigdor said, according to the Associated Press.
CBS News
11 hours ago
- CBS News
Skeletal remains found in a Plymouth Township field 28 years ago identified as Detroit man
After 28 years, skeletal remains found in a Plymouth Township, Michigan, field have been identified as belonging to a Detroit man. Othram Inc., a Texas-based company that worked with police in identifying the remains, said the victim has been identified as Benjamin Harrison Fountain. In May 1997, skeletal remains were found in a field off Haggerty Road when a man interested in buying the property spotted a piece of rolled-up carpet while surveying the land, according to Othram. Human skeletal remains, jewelry and clothing were found in the carpet. At the time, police said the carpet and remains had been in the field for several years. Investigators determined that the remains belonged to an adult man, who was about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and of a slim build. Detectives believed the man died as a result of a head injury and ruled his death a homicide. In hopes of identifying the remains, investigators looked into the source of a gold class ring that was found on the man's body, and tested clothing and a .357 slug found with his remains. In 2022, Plymouth Township police began working with Othram to identify the remains. Othram scientists were able to produce a DNA extract from the skeletal remains and created a DNA profile using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing, confirming the man was of African descent. Through a new DNA profile, police tracked down a potential relative of the man and compared the two DNA profiles, leading to Fountain's identification. Fountain was born on May 6, 1926, in Virginia, according to Othram, and later lived in West Virginia before finally moving to Detroit. Officials say Fountain, who was drafted to serve in World War II, would have been in his 70s if he were found alive when his body was found. Fountain's remains had been stored at the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office since they were first discovered in 1997. He was laid to rest, with his name, on May 16, at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown Township. An investigation into Fountain's death continues. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Plymouth Township Police Department at 734-354-3250. Othram says the Fountain case is the 19th in Michigan, where law enforcement partnered with the company in identifying an individual.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Skeletal remains found in Michigan field 28 years ago finally ID'd thanks to advanced DNA testing
The Brief Skeletal remains found in Plymouth in 1997 have been identified thanks to advanced DNA testing. DNA extracted from the bones led to a relative of Benjamin Fountain, who authorities believe died of a head injury. If alive today, Fountain would be 99. PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich. (FOX 2) - Almost 30 years after a man's remains were found wrapped in a carpet in Plymouth Township, a murder victim has been laid to rest. DNA testing decades later identified the skeletal remains as Benjamin Harrison Fountain, who would be 99 today. The backstory According to Othram, a forensics company that assisted with the identification, the bones were found in a field off Haggerty Road in Plymouth in May 1997 by a person who was surveying the land to purchase it. Police believed that the remains had been there for years before they were discovered. Investigators were able to determine that the remains were of a man who appeared to have been around 5 feet, 8 inches tall. Shorts found with the remains led investigators to believe he may have been slim. His death was ruled a homicide due to a suspected head injury, and a .357 slug was found with the skeleton. Investigators performed testing on the slug and the clothing found with the skeleton, and also tracked down the origin of a gold class ring found with the remains, but were unsuccessful in identifying who it was. Traditional DNA testing was conducted in 2015 and the results were entered into CODIS, but like other methods of ID'ing the victim, didn't yield any matches. Dig deeper In 2022, the Plymouth Township Police Department teamed with Othram to conduct advanced DNA testing. DNA was extracted from the bones, and Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing was performed at Othram's Texas lab. Through this, it was discovered that the ancestry of the unknown person was African. By using the DNA profile, Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team developed new leads about possible family members and provided them to police. Police were then able to contact a potential relative and use their DNA to determine Fountain's identity. Who he was Fountain, who was born in Virginia on May 6, 1926, also lived in West Virginia before landing in Detroit. He served in World War II after being drafted. His remains, which had been at the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office since they were found, were finally laid to rest in May, when he was buried at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown. What we don't know It is unknown who killed Fountain or how he ended up dead in a field. An investigation into his death is ongoing. The Source Othram provided details for this story.
