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City official: Death of Mountlake Terrace woman investigated as homicide

Detectives are investigating Cheryl DeBoer's death as a homicide, officials with the City of Mountlake Terrace said Wednesday.
Other possible causes of death are also being explored.
An autopsy revealed small cuts on two of DeBoer's fingers that appear to have been self-inflicted.

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KEY DEVELOPMENTS:

  • Body of Cheryl DeBoer found Sunday after she was missing for nearly a week
  • Group of searchers found her body in a culvert
  • Police investigating death as homicide, per city official
  • Blood stains found in DeBoer's car, small cuts apparently self-inflicted on fingers
  • Husband ruled out as suspect, no known person of interest
The body of Cheryl DeBoer, 54, was found by a group of searchers near the King-Snohomish County line at Cedar Way and 244th Street Southwest at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
On Tuesday night, Mountlake Terrace Police Cmdr. Kevin Pickard confirmed blood stains were found on the passenger side of DeBoer's car.
The stains are being tested by the Washington State Patrol crime lab to determine if the blood is DeBoer's.
Pickard previously said investigators did not believe residents should be concerned for their safety.
"At this point, we don't see a concern for people's safety or a threat to others," Pickard said Monday.
Yet, in a press release issued Wednesday, Chief of Police Greg Wilson encourages residents to be aware of their surroundings and report unusual behavior by calling 911. The release also discourages use of headphones while walking and advises residents to walk with keys, personal alarms, or panic buttons to attract attention if necessary.
DeBoer's husband is not a person of interest in his wife's death, according to officials. There are no other persons of interest in the case.
Expert trackers were brought in to examine the area around the culvert where DeBoer’s body was discovered.
They were looking for footprints and other evidence.
Investigators have said the area is a crime scene and DeBoer's death is suspicious. 
According to the Everett Herald, a search warrant seeking phone records shows that at 7:02 a.m. Monday,  DeBoer sent a text message to a friend she was supposed to meet at the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center.

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It said she needed to go back home to get her work badge. The Herald reports DeBoer's phone was then powered off and her badge was later found at her house.
Police continue to ask for the public's help.
Investigators are asking anyone who noticed anything suspicious between 7 a.m. on Feb. 8 and 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 around the area of the park and ride, nearby library or the area where DeBoer's body was found to contact police.
"We're looking for any information. If they've seen any vehicles, people, noises, something. Please call us," pleaded Cmdr Pickard.

Cox Media Group

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