Unsolved: The Mineral, Washington Murders

In the latter half of 1985, a series of brutal killings rocked the quiet woods of Mineral, Washington. 

On August 10, 1985, 27-year-old Steven Harkins and his 42-year-old girlfriend, Ruth Cooper, departed from their home in Tacoma, Washington, for a weekend camping trip at Tule Lake in Pierce County. Four days later, on August 14, hikers in Pierce County found Harkins shot dead in his sleeping bag at a remote campsite, with the couple’s dog also killed nearby. On October 26, Cooper's skull was found near Harts Lake, 1.5 miles from Harkins' body. Two days later, her body and purse were discovered 50 feet away. A tube sock was tied around her neck, and she had died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

In December 1985, Mike Riemer, 36, his girlfriend Diana Robertson, 21, and their 2-year-old daughter Crystal traveled from Tacoma to Pierce County to find a Christmas tree. Later that evening, Crystal was found alone outside a Kmart in Spanaway, saying her "Mommy was in the trees." Two months later, Diana's body was discovered near Riemer's truck, with a tube sock around her neck and 17 stab wounds. Investigators suspected Riemer, who had disappeared, might be responsible, though some believed he was also a victim. He had previously been charged with domestic assault against Diana.

Ossuary 6 - Air Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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