Arlington woman’s death still a mystery

Published 7:07 pm Tuesday, June 18, 2013

ARLINGTON — Investigators still are trying to determine why an Arlington woman was found dead the day before her daughter apparently was killed in a homicide.

A conclusion on the cause and manner of death for Betty E. Thorsen, 80, is still pending, the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office said Tuesday.

Thorsen was found dead June 8 at the bottom of a staircase leading to the basement in her home in the 13200 block of 240th Street NE.

Her death attracted extra scrutiny after her daughter, Karen Harris, 53, of Arlington was found dead on the property June 9. Harris’ death is being investigated as a homicide.

Thorsen’s son, 50, has been jailed for investigation of second-degree murder in his sister’s death.

The case is being handled by Snohomish County sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives.