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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Witness to Lake Ballinger killing turns himself in 10/29/08 • Suspect in teen's death held on $1 million bail 10/28/08 • Man arrested in death of Seattle teen, 2nd man sought 10/28/08   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 Woman's body found in Lake Ballinger Police call the death suspicious and ask for help to ID the woman found in Lake Ballinger. By Diana Hefley and Katya Yefimova Herald Writers MOUNTLAKE TERRACE -- The body of a young woman was found floating Tuesday in Lake Ballinger. Her death is being called suspicious. Investigators are eager to learn the woman's identity and how she ended up in the water. "We would really like to find out who this young woman is," Mountlake Terrace police Sgt. Doug Hansen said. "We'd definitely encourage anyone who reported any woman missing to contact us." Investigators say the woman's clothing also has them searching through files on gang members and associates. The woman was wearing a black "Russell" brand hooded sweatshirt, a white tank top with stars and white Nike tennis shoes. She also wore a black bandana around her neck and black pants with gold-colored belt buckle with "13" on it. The number 13 is commonly affiliated with various Hispanic street gangs, including MS-13, a gang that has been active in Snohomish County and is notoriously violent. Police in Mountlake Terrace have had occasional contact with MS-13 members but nothing significant, Hansen said. Three MS-13 members earlier this year pleaded guilty to a drive-by shooting in south Everett that left a rival gang member wounded. Police suspect the shooting was in retaliation for gunfire outside a Seattle mall that hit an MS-13 member. There was no indication Tuesday that the woman's death was connected to those incidents, police said. Investigators made the discovery after witnesses called police about 10:35 a.m. reporting that there was a possible mannequin floating in the water near the boat ramp. An Edmonds police diver and fire personnel recovered the woman from the water. Her body was turned over to the Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office. Investigators say the woman is petite and either white or Hispanic. She may be in her teens or 20s. She has long, dark hair and piercings just below her lower lip and in her naval. She also has a tattoo on the inside of her right ankle and a gold-colored ring on her right ring finger. The area near the boat ramp was closed off for the most part of the day Tuesday as police were investigating. Mike Teahan, who usually fishes from the dock with his friends, had to move to another part of the lake. "I've been coming here for nine years and this is the first time we've ever been interrupted," Teahan, 59, of Granite Falls, said. Fred Bennett, also 59, lives in condominiums across the street from where the body was found. He said the neighborhood is quiet and most of the people who live there are older. The most serious crimes in the area are usually car break-ins or occasional drug activity. Detectives still were at the lake Tuesday afternoon. Access to the area was restricted behind yellow police tape. Police are checking missing persons reports. They didn't know Tuesday how long the woman had been in the water. The medical examiner is expected to conduct an autopsy today. Anyone with information that could help identify the victim is asked to call 911 or e-mail investigators at crimetips@ci.mlt.wa.us. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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