Covington, WA homicide investigation: Unclear timeline raises questions
Search for man in Covington death investigation
The King County Sheriff’s Office is searching for Kyle Cathcart in connection with a May 1 death investigation at his Covington home.
COVINGTON, Wash. - The King County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help to locate a man tied to a Friday morning death investigation in Covington, an incident marked by a murky timeline and unconfirmed reports of a home invasion.
(King County Sheriff's Office)
As of Monday afternoon, authorities have not provided updates on how Kyle Cathcart was able to get away. While the initial emergency response was over a 911 call about a home invasion, investigators have not confirmed those details.
The backstory:
The investigation began around 7 a.m. Friday at the home Cathcart shared with his wife, Jodi.
The initial 911 call reported a home invasion that left one person dead and another injured, though the Sheriff's Office has notably declined to confirm that a home invasion actually took place.
Kyle and Jodi Cathcart, pictured outside their Covington home.
During the initial stages of the scene, deputies could only confirm they were investigating a homicide. They did not verify the identity of the deceased victim or the circumstances that led to the confrontation.
Gaps in the investigation timeline
Timeline:
Significant questions remain regarding how Cathcart was able to leave a hospital while the investigation was underway.
Following the incident, Cathcart was treated at MultiCare Covington Medical Center. At 10:24 a.m. Friday, roughly three and a half hours after the death was first reported, hospital staff confirmed to FOX 13 Seattle that Cathcart was in stable condition.
Later that afternoon, the hospital said Cathcart was discharged. It is currently unclear at what point Cathcart left the hospital or whether he was under supervision by law enforcement at the time.
Despite the active homicide probe, the Sheriff’s Office released a statement at 4:01 p.m. Friday claiming there was no danger to the public.
It was not until 2 p.m. Saturday that the department issued an alert asking for help to find Cathcart.
Covington, WA suspect description: 41-year-old Kyle Cathcart
Authorities released a photo of Cathcart displaying a black eye, an injury presumably sustained during the Friday morning altercation.
He was last seen wearing a black sweater and may have bandaged hands. Investigators believe he is likely traveling on foot.
Kyle Cathcart, suspect in Covington homicide investigation.
What you can do:
Anyone who sees Cathcart or knows his whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately. The Sheriff's Office has not yet clarified if Cathcart is now considered a risk to the community or provided further context on the conflicting reports regarding the home invasion.
Police search for suspect tied to Covington, WA homicide investigation
The King County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help to find Kyle Cathcart in connection with a Friday morning homicide investigation, with unclear details and unconfirmed reports of a home invasion.
Community mourns local mother
What they're saying:
Friends and coworkers gathered to discuss ways to support the victims' children. Anjulina Larsen, a close friend of the victim, described Jodi as a devoted mother and a "ball of light" known for her infectious laugh.
"I keep wanting to call her because that’s who I would call if something really tragic happened, and she’s just not there anymore," Larsen said.
Larsen, who spoke with Jodi via video call the night before her death, expressed shock over the situation.
"We were doing life together and to have that person just be ripped away from you, there’s a hole," Larsen said.
Loved ones also expressed frustration online over the unanswered questions surrounding Cathcart's departure from the hospital.
Featured
Neighbors heartbroken after Covington incident leaves 1 dead, 1 injured
Neighbors woke up to a large police presence in Covington this morning after one person was found dead and another was rushed to the hospital.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle and the King County Sheriff's Office.
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