After Olympia couple disappears, arrest brings fear they were killed

SEATTLE — After an Olympia couple disappeared last week, law enforcement’s arrest of a man in connection with the case has brought with it the realization that the couple is likely dead.

Thurston County sheriff’s deputies did a welfare check at the couple’s house in the Lake Forest Development on Nov. 13, after one of them did not show up at work. The husband and wife, Karen Koep and Davido, were both missing, according to the Sheriff’s Office, which called the circumstances suspicious.

A man in his 40s who knew the couple was arrested on Friday for investigation of murder and kidnapping, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office.

“Throughout the investigation, we have been in contact with the family of the missing couple, and sadly, we do not believe the couple survived the attack at their residence,” the news release said.

Two days before the arrest, deputies asked for the public’s help in notifying them of any sightings of their vehicle, which was missing from their home and later found by the Sheriff’s Office.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the search effort and Davido’s adult children. The funds will also be used to keep utilities paid on their home and business. Karen Koep is a chiropractor in Lacey.

“Our family loves and misses them, and they have touched and helped many in the community. Please help us in our search,” the GoFundMe post read.

After the arrest, an update was posted on the GoFundMe page: “We still need to bring them home.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the disappearance is asked to contact detectives@co.thurston.wa.us or 360-704-2740.