Memorial at Green Lake for unsolved killings of Mary Cooper and Susanna Stodden
Published 11:17 pm Saturday, July 10, 2010
VERLOT — Four years ago today, a mother and daughter set out for day in the woods together.
Mary Cooper and her daughter Susanna Stodden never made it back home.
Hikers discovered the women’s bodies on Pinnacle Lake Trail, a popular hike off the Mountain Loop Highway. They’d been shot to death.
For four years homicide detectives have searched for clues that will lead them to whoever killed Cooper and Stodden. They scoured the forest for signs of the shooter. They’ve chased down tips from callers and consulted with FBI profilers.
No arrests have been made.
“This case remains an active investigation. Detectives continue to follow up on tips and leads,” Snohomish County sheriff’s spokeswoman Rebecca Hover said. “However, the tips are more sporadic now and, unfortunately, haven’t led to any new information. Still, we’re hopeful that someday we’ll get that one tip or clue that will solve this case.”
Anyone with information about the case, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is urged to call the sheriff’s office.
Cooper, 56, was an elementary school librarian. Stodden, 27, was an environmental educator who worked for the Audubon Society.
Stodden was an avid hiker and Cooper was looking forward to getting on the trail with her daughter.
Four days after the slayings, the women’s family found solace on a hike close to the crime scene. They didn’t want the woods to become a place to fear. They urged others to explore the outdoors in memory of Cooper and Stodden.
David Stodden returned to Pinnacle Lake Trail last week to remember his wife and daughter. He swam in the frigid waters of Pinnacle Lake and took note of the new trees growing along the trail.
Tonight, he plans to attend a memorial walk around Green Lake in Seattle. Families and friends will share memories of the women who touched their lives. Stodden also wants to raise awareness about gun violence.
It’s difficult to remain optimistic that the killer will be caught, he said.
“We’re hoping it will be solved, but it sounds like there are no good leads,” he said.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463, hefley@heraldnet.com.
Walk in remembrance
A memorial walk around Seattle’s Green Lake in memory of Susanna Stodden and Mary Cooper is 8 tonight. The public is invited to join family and friends for the walk.
Bring a flashlight and meet at Evans Pool, 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N., Seattle.
Call with tips
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone who may have information about the killings of Susanna Stodden and Mary Cooper to call the sheriff’s tip line at 425-388-3845.
Tips also may be phoned in to Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound toll-free at 800-CRIME-13 (800-274-6313). The nonprofit organization The Mountaineers and friends of the Stodden family are offering a $26,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the crimes.
