Police in Seattle made a disturbing discovery while clearing out a homeless camp – the body of a missing woman, Shannon Reeder, who may have been murdered and stuffed in a suitcase. Reeder, a 37-year-old mother, had been missing since November 2023, and her friends had been desperately trying to locate her to no avail.
According to a close friend, Caitlyn Andrews, they had tried reaching out to Reeder through social media and her cell phones without any success. Nearly a year after her disappearance, officers found Reeder’s remains in a large suitcase among the tents and trash of the homeless encampments.
Authorities are still piecing together the events leading up to Reeder’s death, as she was described as a mother and an upstanding member of the neighborhood. The discovery was made during a clean-up operation following a shooting at the encampment a few days prior. This particular homeless camp has been known for its squalid conditions, with past incidents involving overdoses and other concerning items found among the residents.
Reeder’s tragic end has left her friends and loved ones in shock, as she was remembered as a joyful and carefree person despite facing challenges in her past. Andrews shared that Reeder had a positive attitude and could find happiness in the simplest things like a new lip gloss or pair of shoes.
The police are appealing to the public for any information regarding Reeder’s movements leading up to her death and the disposal of her remains. This heinous crime has highlighted the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals living on the streets, and serves as a grim reminder of the harsh realities of homelessness in urban areas.