THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — A suspect has been arrested in connection to the disappearance of a Thurston County couple who were last seen on Nov. 13, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect is an Olympian man who is in his 40s and is known to the couple, said Lt. Mike Brooks. He is booked into Thurston County Jail on two counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping.
In a news release about the arrest, officials said that due to the investigation so far, "we do not believe the couple survived the attack at their residence."
Deputies conducted a welfare check for Karen Koep and Davido on Nov. 13 after Karen did not show up for work at the chiropractic clinic she owns in Lacey. Deputies went to their home in Lake Forest Development and found the couple was missing.
Concern surrounding their disappearance heightened when the couple's car was later found in Olympia near 67th Avenue Southeast and Rainier Road Southeast, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
Pauline Dutton, the sister of Karen Koep, told KING 5 that she is thankful for the work of the sheriff's department.
"In honor of my sister and her husband, please share an act of kindness in their memory," she said in a statement.
Dutton previously described her sister and brother-in-law as having a great relationship and they have been together for more than 30 years. She said her sister and Davido are selfless.
A candlelight vigil is planned from 3-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19 outside Koep's chiropractic office (4313 6th Ave. SE in Lacey). Family members say all are welcome to attend.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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