New sketch released of 1977 victim

Everett

Snohomish County sheriff's deputies have released a new sketch of a 1977 murder victim whose remains haven't been identified.

Last month, deputies exhumed the woman's remains with the hope that new forensic technology would finally help identify her. Cold-case detectives, a forensic anthropologist and a now-retired detective who was once assigned to the case composed the new sketch of the victim. The sketch reflects what the woman looked like before she was found near Paine Field in summer 1977, said sheriff's spokeswoman Rebecca Hover.

The anthropologist who has examined the bones has determined the victim was likely 15 to 21 years old — much younger than detectives on the case initially believed, Hover said.

Until now, investigators have known only that the woman was tall, white, had a tan and had healthy teeth. She weighed about 155 pounds, had short, light-brown hair and was dressed in cutoff jeans, a striped tank top, and blue-and-white tennis shoes, Hover said.

Blackberry pickers found the woman's remains about five days after David Roth strangled her with an elastic cord and shot her with a .22-caliber rifle. Roth had picked up the woman when she was hitchhiking and killed her when she refused to have sex with him, according to court files.

Roth was convicted of first-degree murder in 1979 and has since been released. He didn't know her name, Hover said.

People with information are asked to call the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office tip line at 425-388-3845.

Marysville

Everett man held in 2005 slaying

Police have arrested a 21-year-old Everett man believed to be connected with the slaying of a Marysville man three years ago.

The suspect was arrested by Marysville police on Wednesday, following a three-year investigation into the death of Charles Hughley, 39. Hughley was found dead in his home on the 100 block of Beach Avenue on April 13, 2005.

The suspect, who is being held at the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of second-degree murder, participated in the slaying because he believed that Hughley had raped him after he was knocked unconscious, according to a police report.

The arrest comes weeks after police arrested a transient in connection with the case. Investigators say that 26-year-old suspect was at the scene of the 2005 slaying and helped dispose of evidence.

Olympia

Pollution taints 17 shellfish areas

The Washington Health Department says pollution threatens shellfish harvesting in 17 of the state's commercial shellfish-growing areas.

The department's annual list concerning the state's 97 commercial shellfish areas showed 15 threatened areas last year. But in 2005, there were 25 areas facing threats from fecal pollution. Officials say the number has been dropping gradually. This year's list includes many of the same areas threatened in past years.

Pollution in four areas is severe enough to close or limit harvests this year.

Bob Woolrich of the Health Department says the list helps the state target its cleanup efforts.

Seattle Times staff and news services