Authorities have confirmed that the body discovered inside a suitcase in Seattle this week belongs to 37-year-old Shannon Marie Caslin Reeder, who was reported missing in 2023. Reeder was last seen in November of that year, and law enforcement officials are currently working to unravel the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death.
The Washington State Patrol made the grim discovery in late September while clearing out a homeless encampment after detecting a strong odor emanating from the suitcase. According to updates from the WSP, Reeder was known to frequent the area, prompting detectives to collaborate with individuals familiar with her to establish a timeline of her activities leading up to her demise and the subsequent finding of her remains.
Investigators are actively pursuing leads and are urging anyone who may have interacted with Shannon Reeder in the past year to come forward with information. Those who believe they have pertinent details regarding Reeder's case or potential suspects involved in her death are encouraged to contact Detective John Ford at 425-401-7742 or Detective Ivan Sergeev at 425-401-771.
The tragic incident has unfolded against the backdrop of Seattle's ongoing challenges with homelessness and law enforcement limitations. Notably, the Seattle Police Department's recent policy change dictates that officers will only respond to alarm calls supported by substantial evidence of a break-in, such as audio recordings, video footage, panic alarms, or eyewitness testimonies.
Interim police chief Sue Rahr emphasized that the department's decision stems from resource constraints and the need to allocate personnel efficiently, especially given the low rate of criminal apprehensions resulting from alarm responses. The move reflects the department's struggle with staffing shortages and the broader issues facing the city.
