The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) conducted two unrelated death investigations within the last few days, one of which resulted in an arrest.
The sheriff’s office published information about the two death investigations on Tuesday, Jan. 13, after they attracted social media attention.
“These incidents are unrelated; however, given the public attention they have received, we want to take a moment to address them,” TCSO said in a social media post.
"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of both deceased individuals," Sheriff Derek Sanders said in a social media post on Tuesday.
Olympia man arrested for unlawful disposal of human remains
An Olympia man was arrested and booked into the Thurston County Jail on Tuesday after a body was found in the Yelm area.
Deputies were dispatched to an area near the intersection of Lindsay Road Southeast and 153rd Avenue Southeast at approximately 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, after an adult male was found dead.
“Initial observations indicated that the male had visible injuries and that his death did not occur at that location,” TCSO said in a news release.
Detectives responded to the scene and initiated a homicide investigation, which ultimately led to the arrest of an Olympia man, according to TCSO.
The suspect has not been identified by law enforcement.
“There is currently no known threat to the public,” TCSO said in a news release.
The victim has been identified as an Olympia resident, but his name has not yet been released by the Thurston County Coroner’s Office.
The case is "still under extensive investigation," according to Sanders.
More information will be released as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact TCSO detectives at detectives@co.thurston.wa.us.
Hiker found dead near Rochester on Sunday
A man reportedly sustained a medical emergency while hiking near Littlerock Road on Sunday, Jan. 11.
Deputies were dispatched to the 16000 block of Littlerock Road Southwest at approximately 4 p.m.
The Thurston Chronicle contacted TCSO about the investigation on Monday, Jan. 12, and was told that the death is not considered suspicious at this time.
TCSO confirmed Tuesday, Jan. 13, that based on initial investigation, the man’s death appeared to be the result of a medical emergency.
TCSO has been in contact with the victim’s family. The victim had not been identified as of Tuesday evening.
