Body found in Pierce County in 1997 has been IDed. Homicide probe is now underway
Humans remains found in Pierce County almost three decades ago have been identified, the Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday.
The remains of Laurie Kay Krage, 38, were found by a mushroom picker on Gale Creek Road, about nine miles from Wilkeson School near Buckley in October 1997, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. She would be 65 today.
The Sheriff’s Office worked with Othram, a DNA lab specializing in forensic genetic genealogy, to identify the remains.
“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,” Kristen Mittelman, chief development officer at Othram said in a statement. “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.”
Krage, whose maiden name was Lester, was last known to be alive in January 1996. Detectives are now investigating her death as a homicide, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Her family and late-husband, Ronald Martin, never reported Krage missing, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson deputy Carly Cappetto told The News Tribune on Tuesday. Martin died in 2020 from natural causes.
Detectives are seeking information from anyone who might have known Krage or Martin. She traveled frequently in parts of Pierce County, Lakewood, Kent and the Emerald Queen area, the release said.
Anyone with information about Krage or Martin from 1995 to 1997 is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office through their non-emergency number at 253-287-4455.
This story was originally published April 8, 2025 at 12:01 PM.
