1997 WA cold case victim identified; Gary Ridgway not ruled out
The Brief
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
CBS News
2 hours ago
- CBS News
Body of unidentified woman killed in 1986 Fayette County crash exhumed
Officials on Monday exhumed the body of an unidentified woman killed in a crash in Fayette County in 1986. Jane Doe's remains were exhumed from an unnamed grave at Oak Lawn Cemetery to use improved DNA technology in the hopes of identifying her. Pennsylvania State Police troopers found her body after a crash along Route 119 in Springhill Township on May 2, 1986. "A lot of times when I drive by here, I think about that morning," said Larry Leech. Leech was the chief for the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, which responded to the scene that day. "We had a tractor-trailer, an 18-wheeler upside down, and the driver was deceased at the scene," Leech said. At first, Leech says it seems cut and dry. It was not until the trailer was moved that emergency responders found the body of a woman. She was not carrying a purse or wallet, only a few items that included a pack of cigarettes and $300 in cash. Jane Doe's name and why she was in Fayette County have been a mystery ever since. "There's been grant funding available to look at old cold cases, unidentified individuals, and try to bring closure to families and identify these folks," Fayette County District Attorney Mike Auble said. After 10 years of behind-the-scenes work by state police and the coroner's office, her body was exhumed on Monday. "The folks who have been involved in this case have done a tremendous amount of work, and yesterday was a big day for a lot of people," Auble said. Her body was transported to the Indiana County Coroner's Office, where her DNA will be collected and uploaded into various databases to see if an identification can be made. "We're very hopeful that we're going to be able to close this one," Auble said. As for Leech, who has carried this mystery with him for decades, he is relieved to know Jane Doe's grieving family may soon be reunited with her. "I won't know who she was, but I hope that maybe they can find out and trace back and get to her family, and someone can have closure here," Leech said.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Former Connecticut police officer charged with DUI in Florida
LAKELAND, Fla. (WTNH) — Florida authorities say a former Connecticut police officer was arrested for DUI Saturday night after nearly crashing into a Polk County Sheriff's Office vehicle. Michael Dimeglio, 42, was charged with DUI (M2). His BAC was recorded at 0.168, which is more than twice the legal limit. RELATED: Two Norwalk police officers arrested after being found in hotel room together on duty The charge stems from when deputies noticed Dimeglio's Chevrolet Camaro drifting lanes and moving into oncoming traffic. At one point, they say he veered into the path of a PCSO deputy, prompting the deputy to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. Dimeglio failed to stop his car multiple times for deputies, and when he did, they reported his eyes were bloodshot and watery and they could smell the odor of alcohol on his breath. They also said they asked for his driver's license at least three times and each time, he seemed to give a different response without actually delivering it. When Dimeglio got out of his car, deputies said he was unsteady and had to use the vehicle for support to stand. He was also reportedly slurring his speech and had dilated pupils. He told deputies he had consumed alcohol while at the beach. Deputies said Dimeglio told them he was a police officer for Norwalk for nine years and terminated for misconduct in 2020. In 2021, he and another officer were arrested following an October 2020 incident during which they were found in a hotel room together while on duty. 'This reckless behavior put lives in danger, and it's especially disappointing coming from someone who once wore a badge. Law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard, and this former officer made a choice that could have cost lives,' Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
20 hours ago
- Fox News
Diddy's ex's testimony could provide powerful corroboration to allegations in sex crimes trial: expert
Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend took the stand Monday and testified for the third day in the rapper's federal trial for sex crimes. His ex, who testified under the pseudonym "Jane," told prosecutors that there were times she felt coerced into hotel nights with Diddy and that the Bad Boy Records founder still pays for both her legal fees and rent. Jane recalled alleged instances of abuse while dating Diddy on and off for three years and up until the week before he was arrested in New York City on federal charges. Jennifer Beidel, a former assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York who now practices at Dykema, told Fox News Digital that Jane's testimony may be "powerful" to the jury. "Jane Doe commented on the consistency between her experience and that of Cassie Ventura after she read Ventura's civil lawsuit," Beidel said. "If the jury also finds the two women's experiences similar, Jane Doe's testimony becomes powerful corroboration of Ventura's testimony. Adding in the voice memos could lend even more credence to the two women's accounts, as those voice memos are evidence of Mr. Combs' views at the time in his own words." Jane told the court that Diddy asked her about coercion after he allegedly forced her to take drugs before having sex with a male escort. She testified about Diddy's alleged violent behavior and said he once put her in a chokehold after kicking and punching her. The jury was shown video evidence of Jane's injuries, which included a bruised eye and welts on her forehead. Texts shown in federal court on Monday between Diddy and Jane revealed that she felt manipulated and wanted monetary income. The rapper allegedly texted Jane back, "F--- you." Jane allegedly told Diddy, "You're the only opportunist ... you had three years of fun with my body ... you were a full time job and consumed my life." The "Last Night" rapper allegedly texted back that he was blocking Jane's number and also calling the police. "You conned me into sucking d--- for you," Jane allegedly texted. After several texts, she wrote, "I'm going to kill myself." "Early in the trial, the prosecutors introduced extensive evidence to support their theory that Combs used violence and threats of violence to coerce Ventura into engaging in sexual activity," former federal prosecutor Mark Chutkow told Fox News Digital. "However, the prosecution's evidence of Jane Doe's alleged coercion centers more on emotional manipulation than violence. That could prove to be a weakness for the prosecution case because Jane's evidence was introduced later in the trial, closer to when the jurors will deliberate." Mark Chuktow, who now practices at Dykema, added, "As a result, it might dilute the impact of Ventura's earlier testimony because Jane's evidence is less clear-cut regarding whether Combs coerced her to engage in sexual activity. To counter this, the prosecutors might put more weight in closing arguments on the evidence that Combs blackmailed both women into complying with his sexual demands through threats of destroying their reputations and careers by publicly exposing the video recordings of their participation in the freak-offs. "Blackmail like this might resonate more with the jury than Combs' emotional manipulation of Jane when deciding whether or not the victims consented to the sexual activity." In court, Jane testified that after fleeing from the "All About the Benjamins" rapper during an alleged violent encounter, she returned to the home and claimed she was on the patio when she allegedly punched Diddy around his temple on his forehead. He allegedly retaliated by punching Jane in the head twice in the forehead and eye area. She told the court she retreated to a deep part of the backyard, fell and curled up in a ball to cover her head and face while Diddy allegedly continued to punch and kick her. He allegedly said Jane was trying to take him away from his kids and family. Diddy then allegedly grabbed Jane by the hair and her arm and dragged her back into the house, saying she was "f---ing crazy." She claimed to keep asking him to leave. "Jane's testimony is more of the same in regards to the defendant's conduct, and it certainly does not paint a good picture of Mr. Combs," Los Angeles litigator John J. Perlstein told Fox News Digital. "It is hard to say whether or not the jury is numb to it all. However, they are unlikely to be shocked by Jane's testimony given what everyone else has said thus far. "This trial is a lengthy process for jurors, and recordings and videos of the testimonies typically fare better than readings." Jane also testified to being with Diddy when she saw the video of the rapper assaulting Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in 2016. Diddy was with his friends and family in May 2024 when she was invited to a "huddle," where she remembered the group trying to come up with a form of a sincere apology post regarding the video. She told the court that she never heard the "Victory" rapper deny he was the one in the video assaulting Cassie. Jane testified that Diddy showed her a final draft of what he would say, and she understood he would post it on social media. She said she thought the message was heartfelt. Jane claimed they eventually talked about the video in June or July 2024. Diddy allegedly told her that was the only time he and Cassie had physical violence. Diddy allegedly told Jane that Cassie "was a hitter." WATCH: SEAN 'DIDDY' COMBS ASSAULTS CASSIE VENTURA IN 2016 HOTEL INCIDENT Attorney Christopher Melche told Fox News Digital, "Jane testified about horrific acts of abuse in the relationship similar to what Cassie experienced, but what was unique about her testimony today is that Jane is still having her rent paid for by Diddy to this very day, and they continued their relationship right up to the time that he was arrested, so I'm not sure how the jury is going to reconcile all of these horrible things that happened to her and how her rent is being paid and accepted right 'til now." In a federal indictment unsealed on Sept. 17, Diddy was charged with racketeering conspiracy (RICO); sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution. If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison. He has maintained his innocence throughout the trial, where witnesses have testified to alleged rape, sexual assault, severe physical abuse, forced labor and drug trafficking. The trial is expected to wrap up by July 4.
