← Back to United States casesMary Cooper and Susanna Stodden Allegedly Murdered by David Stodden, Seattle, Washington, United States
Case Summary
On July 11, 2006, Mary Cooper (56) and her daughter Susanna Stodden (27) went hiking at Mount Pilchuck State Park near Seattle, Washington. They were last seen at 10 a.m. at the parking lot for Pinnacle Lake trail, a route they had not originally planned to take. Later that day, their bodies were found about 3 km from the parking lot, off the trail, each shot in the head with a small-caliber handgun. The investigation ruled out extended suicide and robbery. David Stodden, husband and father, was initially a suspect but had a solid alibi and was cleared. The FBI profiled the perpetrator as someone who waited or hid on the trail. The motive remains unknown, with theories ranging from accidental shooting to deliberate murder possibly linked to illegal activities in the area. The case remains unsolved as of 2024.
Basic Information
Country: United States
State/Province: Washington, United States
City/Region: Seattle
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Married
Relationship Duration: Approximately 30 years (marriage)
Incident Date: July 11, 2006
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Met at school/college/university
- Friends circle
Relationship Stages:
- Married Living Together
- Arragned Marriage
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- No data available.
Red Flags:
- No data available.
Motives:
- No data available.
Relationship Outcomes:
- Investigation still ongoing
- Deadbody recovery
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Met at school/college/university
- Friends circle
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Married
Approximately 30 years (marriage)
Stages
- Married Living Together
- Arragned Marriage
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2006-07-11
Outcome
- Investigation still ongoing
- Deadbody recovery
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Mary Cooper and Susanna Stodden Allegedly Murdered by David Stodden, Seattle, Washington, United States
WhatPadiLoves - Germany · Original language: English
View original title
Wer hat ihnen das nur angetan ? Der mysteriöse Fall zum Tod von Mary Cooper und Susanna Stodden
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Unknown
Pattern Analysis
The case involves the murder of a married couple, mother and daughter, with no clear personal motive or known relationship conflict. The investigation suggests a deliberate killing by a third party, but no relationship-driven motive such as jealousy, infidelity, or family conflict is evident. The pattern does not fit typical relationship-driven incidents but remains unresolved.
Investigative Notes
David Stodden was initially a suspect but cleared due to a solid alibi and cooperation. Police withheld some information initially. FBI profiled the perpetrator as waiting or hiding on the trail. No evidence of robbery or extended suicide. The case remains unsolved with no identified suspects. David conducted independent investigations and public awareness efforts.
Investigation Confusion
Conflicting reports about the position of the bodies and the exact circumstances of the murder. Uncertainty about the motive and perpetrator identity. Initial police suspicion of David Stodden despite his alibi. Theories about accidental shooting, random killing, or involvement of serial killer Israel Keyes remain unconfirmed.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Mary and Susanna planned a hike on July 11, 2006, originally to Mount Pilchuck but changed route to Pinnacle Lake. They were last seen at 10 a.m. at the Pinnacle Lake parking lot. Their bodies were found around 3:30 p.m., shot in the head and moved off the trail. David Stodden was at work and later with a friend, confirmed by witnesses. Police ruled out extended suicide and robbery. The FBI profiled the killer as waiting on the trail. No suspects identified. David undertook his own investigation to find leads.
Risk Assessment
No direct relationship-driven risk factors identified; the victims were experienced hikers with no known enemies or conflicts. The risk appears related to external unknown perpetrator motives.
Key Takeaways
Close family relationships do not guarantee immunity from violent crime. Changes in plans can complicate investigations. Cooperation and alibis are critical in suspect clearance. Independent family efforts can sustain case awareness. Lack of clear motive and evidence can stall investigations for years.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
The last known sighting at the parking lot and the unexpected change of hiking route were key early signals. The inability to contact the victims and their failure to return home on time raised immediate concern.
Which clues helped connect the case?
The discovery of the bodies off the trail, the targeted gunshot wounds to the head, and the absence of robbery clues were critical. Witness reports of gunshot-like sounds and a red car speeding away were also important.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Forensic autopsy confirming gunshot wounds, witness statements about gunshot sounds, and the FBI profile of the perpetrator were strongest. Lack of DNA or other physical evidence was noted.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
A couple who spoke briefly with Mary and Susanna at the parking lot described them as motivated and friendly. A hiker found the bodies and reported them. Witnesses heard sounds resembling gunshots. A fisherman reported hearing similar noises at 1:30 p.m. A witness claimed to see a red car speeding away from the parking lot.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Follow-up reports clarified that extended suicide and robbery were ruled out. David Stodden was cleared as a suspect. The FBI profile added insight into the perpetrator's behavior. No new suspects emerged. The case remains cold.
What remained unclear?
The identity and motive of the perpetrator remain unknown. The reason for the route change is unclear. The exact position and circumstances of the bodies at discovery are disputed. The possible connection to serial killer Israel Keyes is unconfirmed.