A Washington state man is behind bars after allegedly murdering his girlfriend, dismembering her body, and leaving her remains in an apartment. Willie James McCoo, 55, has been charged with the murder of 31-year-old Kiara Sewell, whose body was discovered by Seattle police in mid-June.
The Crime and Discovery
Seattle police responded to a call at an apartment building on North 143rd Street around 12:20 p.m. on June 15. Upon arrival, they found Sewell’s body, which showed “obvious signs of trauma,” according to police reports.
Surveillance footage revealed that McCoo and Sewell were seen entering and leaving the building on June 8 and 9, but McCoo was seen alone in the days after that, often carrying duffle bags and garbage bags, police said. Investigators believe Sewell died on June 10, just a few days before the discovery of her remains.
The Investigation and Evidence
Following the discovery, detectives obtained a search warrant for McCoo’s storage locker. Inside, they found a machete with an 18-inch blade and a hunting knife with an 11-inch blade, both of which could have been used in the brutal attack on Sewell.
McCoo has been arrested on murder charges and is being held at the King County Correctional Facility with a $4 million bond.
McCoo’s Criminal History
McCoo’s criminal past includes a previous conviction for assault. He had served nearly 20 years in prison for attacking a woman with a knife while she was sleeping. However, he was released in the fall of 2023 after serving a reduced sentence.
The reduction came after the Washington Supreme Court ruled the state’s drug possession law unconstitutional, which led to McCoo’s sentence being reduced by about eight years.
Sewell’s family has expressed outrage over McCoo’s release from prison and his subsequent actions. Her mother, Taneika Tigner, expressed her grief and anger, stating, “What in the world did she do that you could have done something like this? He needs to rot.”
Family’s Reaction
Sewell leaves behind four children. Her family, devastated by the loss, has been vocal in their mourning. Her uncle, Sekou Forrester, shared his frustration with the justice system, saying, “He’s lived on this earth for this long and hasn’t done anything but cause destruction.”
Despite the tragedy, a GoFundMe page created in Sewell’s honor encourages people to celebrate her life, remembering her for her beautiful smile, wild stories, and unique singing style.
The tragic death of Kiara Sewell has shocked her family and the community. As McCoo faces charges for her brutal murder, her loved ones are left to cope with the loss and call for justice. The investigation continues, and the family is seeking justice for the devastating loss of a mother, daughter, and friend.