PORT TOWNSEND ¬– The trailer was removed, and investigators left the mystery crime scene at 909 Rosecrans St. on Saturday.
But authorities are still tight-lipped about what they are looking for.
Port Townsend Sgt. Ed Green said on Saturday that Port Townsend police and a State Patrol crime lab are investigating a “crime of violence,” but wouldn’t confirm if a homicide is being investigated.
The investigation began at about 11 p.m. on Wednesday, and involves a trailer and the immediate surrounding area, Green said.
Two King County Search and Rescue dogs trained to locate missing persons and human remains sniffed the area on Saturday.
The dogs, Trulee and Hylee, guided by Greg Varney, found “no strong evidence to indicate foul play,” Port Townsend Detective Jason Greenspane said.
Green said the trailer had been recently purchased in Port Hadlock, and it isn’t known where the crime that is under investigation occurred — if a crime occurred.
Susan Smith has been identified as the owner of the trailer by KOMO TV, but Green said he couldn’t confirm that.
He added that, at least initially, several people were claiming to be the owner.
The trailer, he said, was taken to “a city yard” for more investigation by the State Patrol crime lab on Saturday.
The owner is not considered a person of interest, Green said.
Green said he would not provide more information until investigators know exactly what they are dealing with.
“I won’t be able to say what they have in hand,” Green said on Saturday.
“I don’t want to taint the investigation. . . . I want to make sure that we are looking at a criminal investigation, and not something else.”
Trooper Krista Hedstrom, State Patrol spokesperson, said the crime labs don’t report to her, and that she had no details on the investigation.
Green said the Port Townsend police began the investigation in response to statements from a couple of Port Townsend area residents.
Police were able to “corroborate” the statements, which led them to believe a crime had occurred, he said.
The Port Townsend Police Department has two investigators on the case, Green said.
Green said the State Patrol crime lab was brought in because it has tools that are more sophisticated to make sure that all of the evidence is collected.
He said he may have more information to release on Monday.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
