A chilling domestic tragedy has emerged from North Bend, where David E. Loewe, the former CEO of Seattle Humane, fatally shot his wife, Judy M. Loewe, before committing suicide. The Snoqualmie Police Department confirmed the identities of the couple, both 60 years old after their bodies were found on January 31. According to a statement obtained by the Business Journal, maintenance workers making a welfare check discovered the grim scene.
Furthering the investigation, police uncovered that David Loewe had murdered his wife and placed her body in a large freezer in their apartment's garage. It was during an eviction process that the bodies were discovered. The police were quick to uncover evidence to suggest the act was an isolated murder-suicide. However, their investigation is still active, KOMO News reported.
The King County Medical Examiner conducted autopsies on February 5, revealing Judy Loewe died from a gunshot wound before being placed in the freezer, and David Loewe died from a self-inflicted gunshot. In a statement obtained by The Seattle Times, authorities disclosed that David Loewe had been deceased for approximately one month when their bodies were found, though the exact time of Judy Loewe's death remains uncertain.
The tragedy deepened with the discovery of four dead cats also in the freezer. Regional Animal Services of King County reported the finding, but the causes of death for the animals were not established, as no necropsies were requested. The deaths are being viewed as a singular event, and not part of a larger series of concerns. "The couple were in the middle of an eviction from their home in the Arrive North Bend complex due to unpaid rent," The Seattle Times reported.
Seattle Humane acknowledged the grim news of their former CEO, expressing sorrow over the incident. "We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Seattle Humane CEO David Loewe and his wife, Judy," a spokesperson said in an email statement obtained by the Business Journal. "The events surrounding their passing are troubling, and together with our community we are awaiting the results of a full investigation. Our hearts are with those affected by this terrible loss."
