Local

Unsolved mysteries in Pierce County, including the oldest cold cases

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of articles examines disappearances and homicides that remain unsolved in Pierce County.

In discussing Tacoma's cold cases, one article highlights the case of Charles Mattson, a 10-year-old boy, kidnapped in 1936 and found dead later. His case remains the oldest unsolved murder in the city. Another story details the case of a security guard named Raymond Smith who was found beaten with his own revolver during a presumed burglary in 1967.

The articles highlight long-standing cold cases in the Tacoma area that continue to puzzle investigators and impact families seeking answers.

A February 1980 police mug shot of murder suspect Ted Bundy.

NO. 1: MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCES TO COLD-BLOODED KILLINGS. TACOMA’S 5 OLDEST UNSOLVED CASES

They include the disappearance of 8-year-old Ann Marie Burr and the case of a security guard beaten to death with his own gun. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Puneet Bsanti

Laurie Krage’s remains were found by mushroom pickers near Buckley in 1997, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.

NO. 2: BODY FOUND IN PIERCE COUNTY IN 1997 HAS BEEN IDED. HOMICIDE PROBE IS NOW UNDERWAY

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking information about the victim and her husband. | Published April 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Puneet Bsanti

Police tape hangs at the intersection of South Wright Avenue and South Gunnison Street on Monday, May 19, 2025, after detectives received a tip related to a cold case in Tacoma, Wash. By Liesbeth Powers

NO. 3: INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY IN TACOMA AFTER DETECTIVES RECEIVE TIP ABOUT COLD CASE

Police have been tight-lipped on what case the investigation is related to. | Published May 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Puneet Bsanti

Investigators were at a Tacoma house on Monday searching for evidence in a cold case. Police released few details. By Liesbeth Powers

NO. 4: TACOMA HOME BEING SEARCHED IN COLD CASE ONCE WAS A PRESUMED DRUG HOUSE

A search warrant reveals the home’s owner in 2003 was tied to stolen-vehicle investigations. | Published May 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Puneet Bsanti

Teekah Lewis disappeared at the age of 2 the night of Jan. 23, 1999, at New Frontier Bowling alley in Tacoma.

NO. 5: RECENT SEARCH AT TACOMA HOME WAS PART OF TEEKAH LEWIS INVESTIGATION, POLICE SAY

The girl was 2 when she disappeared in 1999. | Published May 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Puneet Bsanti

Linda Tran, 26, and seven and one half months pregnant at time of death.

NO. 6: ‘CANNOT KEEP HIDING IN FEAR.’ 1998 MURDER OF TACOMA FAMILY REMAINS UNSOLVED

Linda Tran and her children were killed in their Tacoma home in December 1998. | Published July 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Puneet Bsanti

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.