Parents Remain Concerned Over Suspicious Death(s) Near Rock Creek Elementary
Authorities responded to a "suspicious death" near Rock Creek Elementary School (RCES) on Thursday afternoon, prompting concern within the community. The incident occurred at the intersection of Southeast 252nd Street and 238th Avenue Southeast, in close proximity to the school. Witnesses in the area assert having seen two bodies, in contrast to the single body reported by most outlets. This detail is heightening concerns, especially considering that numerous children pass by this location daily.
The heavy police presence, involving the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) deputies and firefighters, underscored the seriousness of the situation. KCSO Sgt. Eric White provided initial details, mentioning that a 911 call had been received just before 1 p.m., reporting a body in the bushes. Upon arrival, officials confirmed that the person was "clearly dead," but due to obstructing debris, they could only verify one body at the scene.
RCES notified parents around 3:15 upon learning of the incident. Parents of students who normally walk home were told they would need to pick up their children, with staff scrambling to call these parents directly to ensure they got the word due to the timing of the notification. Walking students remained at school until parents arrived.
The ongoing failure to address the rumored second body reported by eyewitnesses seems to be amplifying concerns among nearby parents that the situation is being downplayed. Families are left uncertain about potential safety issues, especially with an elementary school nearby and regular foot traffic from students. The City of Maple Valley put out the following statement:
“We’re in the preliminary stage of our investigation, so don’t have any additional details to provide. There is no immediate threat to the community.”
While the reason for withholding details is standard practice, the lack of information, minimal assurance, and circulating rumors have caused many to remain skeptical and nervous.
Compounding the concerns, residents have noticed a rise in the presence of wandering addicts in the area. A couple, who were walking with their children, shared an unsettling encounter with a person on a nearby trail weeks prior. The individual attempted to quietly approach the family from behind, but then tried to solicit drugs when he was noticed. The couple expressed their sentiment, stating, "The area is taking a downward turn, and nobody seems willing to do anything about it. Now we have more dead bodies showing up. We don’t even want to walk the trails with our family anymore. It is unfortunate." When asked to clarify, the couple mentioned a recent murder in nearby Ravensdale.
Hirromi Okno, who lives nearby, told King 5 news that she is reconsidering letting her son walk home from the RCES. “Anything could happen. You have to be safe, you have to see what's going on around yourself," Okno said. "I think I learned some lessons today.”
As authorities continue their death investigation, the community remains on edge, seeking clarity and reassurance about the safety of their neighborhood. With the Maple Valley incident occurring in proximity to a school and with potential links to the increasing homelessness and addiction issues, residents are looking for answers and hoping for effective measures to address the evolving challenges in their community.
Update 11/20/2023
The KCSO has put out more information related to the incident on its Facebook page:
Detectives requesting community’s help after two bodies discovered in Maple Valley.
Just before 1:00 PM on November 16, 2023, a community member called 911 to report a potentially deceased individual in the bushes at the intersection of SE 252nd ST and 238th Ave SE in the city of Maple Valley.
Maple Valley Police and Fire arrived and confirmed the person to be deceased. King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes responded to investigate.
During the initial investigation by Major Crimes, it was determined that two (2) bodies, a 57-year-old male and a 34-year-old female, were located in the bushes. The cause of death and the event(s) surrounding how the bodies came to be at the location of SE 252nd Street and 238th Ave SE are still under investigation.
We are asking for the community’s help in finding those responsible. All community members can submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers, via the P3Tips app, or by calling the Major Crimes Tip Line at 206-263-2090. The King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is actively leading this investigation.
King County deputies are asking anyone with information to come forward.
