Puyallup Murder-Suicide: A Family Tragedy Unfolds
In a shocking turn of events, a typically quiet home in Puyallup, Washington, became the site of a horrific murder-suicide that left four people dead. Preliminary reports indicate that on New Year’s Eve, deputies with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department responded to a welfare check at a house on Eastwood Avenue East. The victims have been identified as William Vosler, 68; his wife, Eileen Vosler, 66; their son Shane Vosler, 33; and his girlfriend, Sue Bin Lee, 34.
Initial Investigation and Crime Scene
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department responded to the home on Eastwood Avenue East just after 10:50 a.m. Dec. 31st, 2024, after a concerning online post. In November, Shane Vosler’s girlfriend had posted online that the couple was considering suicide. This prompting a welfare check request from concerned individuals. Inside the house, deputies found a woman dead on a bed in an upstairs room and a man dead in the master bathroom of the same floor, with a gun lying to the side next to the toilet. A further search of the premises by police has since located another two victims. Notes found on a refrigerator in the home showed “Time of Death July 24th 5:45 AM” and “Time of Death July 24th 3:00 PM,” indicating the deaths had occurred months earlier. An unknown liquid was leaking from a large refrigerator or freezer in the garage.
Cause of Death and Timeline
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office has released the names and causes of death of the four. William Vosler died of a stab wound to the chest combined with blunt head trauma, while his wife Eileen Vosler suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck. Both deaths have been ruled as homicides. Shane Vosler’s cause of death was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head; his death has been ruled as a suicide. Sae Bin Lee died also with a gunshot wound to the head, but the manner of her death remains undetermined.
- William Vosler:
- Cause of death: Stab wound to the chest and blunt head trauma
- Manner of death: Homicide
- Approximate time of death: July 24th, 2024 (3:00 PM)
- Eileen Vosler:
- Cause of death: Multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck
- Manner of death: Homicide
- Approximate time of death: July 24th, 2024 (5:45 AM)
- Shane Vosler:
- Cause of death: Gunshot wound to the head
- Manner of death: Suicide
- Approximate time of death: December 31st, 2024
- Sue Bin Lee:
- Cause of death: Gunshot wound to the head
- Manner of death: Undetermined
- Approximate time of death: December 31st, 2024
It appears that William and Eileen Vosler were killed sometime in July 2024, and their bodies were stored in a freezer in the garage. Shane Vosler and Sue Bin Lee continued to live in the home for nearly six months after the parents’ deaths.
Motive and Unanswered Questions
The motive behind the killings remains unknown. While investigators have gathered enough evidence to determine that Shane Vosler and Sue Bin Lee were potential suspects in the murder of his parents, it is unclear whether Lee’s death was self-inflicted or if someone else killed her. With all those involved deceased, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department is expected to close the case soon.
Community Reaction and Impact
Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief at the news of the deaths, describing the neighborhood as quiet and family-friendly. Adding to the unsettling nature of the case, neighbors reported seeing Shane Vosler handing out candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween, months after the alleged murders of his parents. This seemingly normal behavior masked a horrific secret hidden within the walls of the Vosler home. The tragic incident has left the community grappling with unanswered questions and a sense of unease.
Conclusion
The Puyallup murder-suicide is a tragic case that highlights the complexities of family dynamics and the devastating consequences of violence. While the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths may never be fully known, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help for mental health issues and the need for greater awareness and prevention of domestic violence.
The delayed discovery of the bodies raises questions about the isolation that may have existed within the family and the missed opportunities for intervention. The fact that Shane Vosler was able to maintain a facade of normalcy while allegedly concealing such a horrific crime underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in identifying and preventing these types of tragedies. This case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden struggles that can occur within seemingly ordinary families and the importance of community vigilance in recognizing signs of distress.
Furthermore, this case highlights the broader issue of familicide, the murder of one’s family members. While rare, familicide is the most common type of mass murder. Understanding the underlying factors that contribute to these acts, such as mental health issues, financial strain, and relationship problems, is crucial for prevention and early intervention.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or struggling with mental health issues, please reach out for help. There are resources available to provide support and guidance. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
This article is based on information gathered from news reports, police statements, and public records.
Related YouTube Videos
- 4 people found dead in Puyallup home: News report on the discovery of four bodies in a Puyallup home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hasH-kjla7Q
- 4 people found dead in Graham home: News report on the four people found dead in a Graham home, including details about the victims and the crime scene. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6C-tafRGPQ
- Cause of death determined for 4 people found dead in Graham home: News report on the cause of death for the four people found dead in a Graham home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yBsSUgw638
In a shocking turn of events, a seemingly quiet home in Puyallup, Washington became the scene of a gruesome murder-suicide that left four people dead. On New Year’s Eve, deputies with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department responded to a welfare check at a residence on Eastwood Avenue East, where they made the horrifying discovery of four deceased individuals. The victims were identified as William Vosler (68), Eileen Vosler (66), their son Shane Vosler (33), and his girlfriend, Sue Bin Lee (34).
https://theaegisalliance.com/2025/01/14/washington-married-couple-discovered-deceased-in-freezer-son-and-girlfriend-found-dead-in-home/
In a shocking turn of events, a seemingly quiet home in Puyallup, Washington became the scene of a gruesome murder-suicide that left four people dead. On New Year’s Eve, deputies with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department responded to a welfare check at a residence on Eastwood Avenue East, where they made the horrifying discovery of four deceased individuals. The victims were identified as William Vosler (68), Eileen Vosler (66), their son Shane Vosler (33), and his girlfriend, Sue Bin Lee (34).
https://theaegisalliance.com/2025/01/14/washington-married-couple-discovered-deceased-in-freezer-son-and-girlfriend-found-dead-in-home/
In a shocking turn of events, a seemingly quiet home in Puyallup, Washington became the scene of a gruesome murder-suicide that left four people dead. On New Year’s Eve, deputies with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department responded to a welfare check at a residence on Eastwood Avenue East, where they made the horrifying discovery of four deceased individuals. The victims were identified as William Vosler (68), Eileen Vosler (66), their son Shane Vosler (33), and his girlfriend, Sue Bin Lee (34).
https://theaegisalliance.com/2025/01/14/washington-married-couple-discovered-deceased-in-freezer-son-and-girlfriend-found-dead-in-home/