Gruesome Discovery In Lynnwood

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By By KOMO Staff & News Services

Summary

A body was found in the woods near where a Mountlake Terrace teen was reported missing last month.

Story Published: Jul 15, 2003 at 6:57 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:06 AM PDT

LYNNWOOD - A mother and daughter walking in some woods found a decomposing body Tuesday and police were investigating.

The body was found face down and the sex and identity were not immediately known, police spokeswoman Trudy Dana said, but the case was being investigated as a homicide.

While detectives were unable to make a positive connection, Dana noted the area is close to the location from which a Mountlake Terrace teen was reported missing last month.

The body was found in the 4600 block of 209th Street Southwest.

A 16-year-old autistic boy, Ashton Smith, disappeared June 9 from his home.

The boy was described as having Asperger Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism that leaves him vulnerable in social situations.

Because he followed a rigid schedule and wasn't comfortable outside his routine, his mother, Roseanne Smith, was convinced that someone else was involved in his disappearance.

The mother said she discovered last week that her .22-caliber handgun was missing from a safe in her bedroom. The key to the safe was also missing.

Mountlake Terrace police were investigating whether the missing boy might have taken the handgun.