MACHIAS – Kelly Jean Sarsten is still officially listed as missing, but her family believes that her body was found near the banks of the Pilchuck River last week.
Detectives discovered the body of a woman Aug. 20 near Sarsten’s Machias home.
“We are accepting the volume of circumstantial evidence that this is, in fact, Kelly. Accepting this as the truth is an important part of our grieving process,” her brother in-law, Tom Stephenson, read from a statement on Friday.
Sarsten, 37, was reported missing late last week. Her family and friends believe she wouldn’t have left voluntarily without telling them.
The Snohomish County medical examiner will not release the identity of the body for at least two weeks, lead investigator Leon Reichle said.
“There’s somebody out there who needs to be in jail, and we’re being careful about what information we release,” said sheriff’s spokeswoman Jan Jorgensen said.
Sheriff’s detectives continue to investigate but don’t have any suspects or motives, Jorgensen said. Investigators, however, don’t believe the killing was random, she added.
Stephanson requested privacy for Sarsten’s family, saying relatives have been hurt and disturbed by reports about the condition of the remains recovered and speculation about suspects and motives.
“This is disrespectful to Kelly, detrimental to the investigation, and the repeated exposure to unsubstantiated information places undue stress and trauma on Kelly’s surviving family and friends,” Stephanson said.
He added that family members will share their thoughts and feelings when it is appropriate.
“Until then, we wish to remain silent, grieve in private and support the success of this investigation with the goal of bringing Kelly’s killer to justice,” Stephenson said.
He added that a friend was caring for Sarsten’s beloved dogs Jake and Molly. The Machias woman was rarely seen without them, according to an obituary in The Herald.
Along with her dogs, she was devoted to her trucking business and a large circle of family and friends, Stephenson said.
Sarsten studied cosmetology after graduating from Ingraham High School in Seattle. She worked for years as a hairdresser in Mountlake Terrace, but left to drive trucks. She owned and operated Extreme Rock.
“Kelly’s strong will and determination will leave a mark on the lives of everyone she touched and loved,” the family said.
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
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