By Cathy Logg
Herald Writer
MERCER ISLAND — Police are investigating whether an Everett woman played a role in the suspicious death of a Mercer Island woman and disappearance of much of her money and belongings.
Sandra A. Grenier, 56, died at her Mercer Island home on May 22. The cause of death remains undetermined pending toxicology test results.
Police also are investigating the transfer of large sums of Grenier’s money to other people, including a 50-year-old Everett woman described in a court search warrant affidavit as a friend, and an Arlington doctor, public safety director Jan Deveny said Thursday.
Grenier apparently had been taking a number of drugs, some for medical conditions, as well as a human growth hormone to slow the aging process. That drug allegedly came from Mexico and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
"We don’t have any evidence or anything to indicate that this is a homicide," Deveny said. "It’s totally going to turn on the toxicology."
Deveny said the Everett woman is a suspect in connection with the missing money, although police haven’t determined exactly how much is missing, he said.
The woman could face possible charges of manslaughter, theft and practicing medicine without a license, according to the affidavit. The doctor is not under investigation by police, Deveny said.
The doctor had prescribed two medications for Grenier, including one that could have a dangerous interaction with diet pills, according to police. Police found three types of diet pills in Grenier’s home.
Both Grenier and her 66-year-old husband had experienced worsening mental problems, family members told police. According to police, Robert Grenier was extremely disoriented the night his wife died.
"Some of his behavior indicates that’s he’s not totally in touch with reality. He’s not been very helpful, and the feeling is that he can’t be," Deveny said.
Grenier told relatives that the Everett woman had gotten the anti-aging drug for her and her husband, and had been administering it to them and taking it herself.
The Everett woman reportedly discovered Sandra Grenier’s death about 7 p.m., but didn’t report it to police until 10 p.m., which concerned investigators.
Police also thought the woman acted suspiciously and tried to hide Grenier’s personal papers. She allegedly told Robert Grenier to tell police that Sandra didn’t want an autopsy.
Police are still trying to determine the status of Grenier’s assets and their location, Deveny said.
You can call Herald Writer Cathy Logg at 425-339-3437
or send e-mail to logg@heraldnet.com.
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