NEAR GRANITE FALLS—
This weekend brings a sad anniversary for their husband and father.It was four years ago this Sunday, July 11, 2006, that Mary Cooper and her daughter Susanna Stodden were murdered on Mount Pilcuck's Pinnacle Lake Trail near Granite Falls.
On Thursday, David Stodden made the annual trek to where they died.
It is a case that seems to have gone cold. One that shocks just about everyone, because it seems so random.
A 56 year old mother and her 27 year old daughter, both shot in the head on a very popular trail, one they knew very well and the worst part their killer is still at large.
It would seem tough to return to the spot where they died but David Stodden feels he must.
Stodden says, "This was the last place Mary and Suzanna were alive so I come here three or four times a year."
But Wednesday's hike means the most. It is two and a half miles, climbing 4-thousand feet.
He does it for his wife and daughter and to help, in some small way, find their killer.
Stodden says, "Having a little media attention focused on this and letting people know there's still a reward. I feel like I'm doing something."
Snohomish County investigators have little to go on.
There is still a 25-thousand dollar reward being offered, but leads are few and far between.
Sheriff spokesperson Lt. Kathi Lang says, "The Stodden/Cooper investigation has always been an active investigation. Detectives follow up on all tips or leads reported to us. Unfortunately, the tips are sporadic and haven't led to any new information."
Stodden still believes someone knows the killer and he still hopes for justice.
Until then the memory of that day is ever present.
Stodden says, "I had breakfast with Mary in the morning and she leaves. They were both healthy and happy doing something we'd done so many times and suddenly they're not alive anymore, in a place so beautiful like this. It's just hard to believe. I got to believe it's going to be solved some day."
Again the reward is 25-thousand dollars. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office or 911.
