Murder Mystery: Detectives look for leads in Key Peninsula killing



GIG HARBOR, Wash. -- The Key Peninsula community is reacting to the death of a neighbor who was found slain in her home.

It’s been a week since Pierce County sheriff’s detectives found her body, and they say they still have few leads.

The investigation started last week after an abandoned SUV on 144th Street KPN led them to the owner, who they found dead in her Key Peninsula home. They believe she had likely been dead for days.

“We didn’t know what we had because she had been there for quite some time,” said Pierce County sheriff’s detective Ed Troyer.  “When she was brought to the medical examiner’s office, an autopsy was done. It was determined she died of violence and it was, in fact, a homicide.”

Investigators have identified her as 69-year old Lynn Cooper and say she suffered multiple stab wounds.

“I can’t imagine why anyone would want to hurt her,” said neighbor William Kirby. She "was always nice and waving hi.”

Neighbors also said this kind of crime is unusual for their isolated community.

“I think this is going to get everyone’s attention because this is really weird,” said neighbor Baron Blevins. “I’ve been out here 10 years and this is the first time something that’s happened that has been really kind of unsettling.”

Cooper’s home is believed to have been ransacked, but investigators aren’t sure that anything was stolen.

Detectives said they have very few leads. Any with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Information could lead to a reward.