Authorities in Washington State made a grim discovery on New Year’s Eve, uncovering the bodies of an elderly couple in a freezer alongside their son and his girlfriend found dead elsewhere in the home.
The victims, identified as William Vosler, 68, his wife Eileen Vosler, 66, their son Shane Vosler, 33, and his girlfriend Sue Bin Lee, 34, were found in a Puyallup residence, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
William and Eileen died from multiple stab wounds, with William also suffering blunt force trauma, the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office reported. Shane and Lee died from gunshot wounds to the head. Shane’s death was ruled a suicide, while Lee’s cause of death remains undetermined.
The investigation began the morning of Dec. 31 after concerned family members requested a welfare check, stating they hadn’t heard from the victims in some time. Responding deputies initially discovered two bodies before executing a search warrant, which led to the discovery of the couple’s remains in a leaking kitchen freezer.
On the freezer, two notes were found reading, “Time of Death July 24th, 5:45 a.m.” and “Time of Death July 24th, 3:00 p.m.,” according to reports from The News Tribune and KOMO News.
Deputy Carly Cappetto of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department told The Seattle Times that Shane is believed to be the suspect in his parents’ murders. It remains unclear whether Lee played a role. “The son and his girlfriend were living in that home for six months before any of this was discovered,” Cappetto stated.
In November, Lee reportedly posted online about contemplating suicide with Shane, sparking three welfare check requests. However, deputies did not enter the home as there were no external signs of distress, according to FOX 13.
During the Dec. 31 welfare check, two of the Voslers’ other sons entered the home with a deputy present, leading to the chilling discoveries. Investigators determined that Shane and Lee participated in a “collaborated suicide,” though Lee appeared to have been deceased for longer.
A motive for the killings of William and Eileen Vosler remains undetermined.
Deputy Cappetto stated, “We’re going to be closing this case because we don’t have anyone to charge. The medical examiner’s report is a key piece of evidence and matches what we were leaning towards.”
