Pierce County officials in Washington State have released new details about the grim December 31, 2024 discovery of four bodies in a suburban South Hills, Washington home, revealing a disturbing timeline that spans more than five months.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as William Vosler, 68, his wife Eileen Vosler, 66, their son Shane Vosler, 33, and his girlfriend Sue Bin Lee, 34. The elderly couple’s bodies were found stored in a garage freezer, while Shane and Lee were discovered dead inside the residence.
“Deputies made entry and smelled a distinct odor of body decomposition,” according to sheriff’s department reports. The discovery came after multiple attempts to check on the family’s welfare, culminating in a dramatic entry when two of William and Eileen’s other sons removed a second-floor air conditioning unit to gain access to the home.
Medical examiners determined William Vosler died from a stab wound to the chest combined with blunt force trauma, while Eileen Vosler succumbed to multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck. Both deaths were classified as homicides. Shane Vosler’s death by a gunshot wound to the head was ruled a suicide, while Lee’s similar gunshot wound death remains classified as undetermined.
The investigation revealed chilling evidence, including two notes left on the refrigerator. “Time of death July 24, 5:45 a.m.,” read one note, while another stated, “Time of death July 24, 3 p.m.,” according to police reports.
Neighbors reported growing concerns after noticing the absence of William Vosler’s usual car maintenance activities in his driveway, a hobby he was known for throughout the community. Their worries intensified when they hadn’t seen family members since July 2024.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office conducted four welfare checks at the Eastwood Avenue East residence. The first check occurred on December 23, prompted by the unusual sight of one of William Vosler’s cars being towed away. Deputies found no signs of forced entry and were legally required to leave. Two subsequent checks also failed to produce enough evidence to justify entry into the home.
“The investigation has uncovered a pattern of concerning behavior and isolation leading up to these tragic events,” said a sheriff’s department spokesperson. “Our detectives are continuing to piece together the timeline and circumstances surrounding these deaths.”
The case has drawn attention to the challenges law enforcement faces when conducting welfare checks, particularly in situations involving isolated families. According to the National Association of Police Chiefs, officers must balance public safety concerns with constitutional rights when determining probable cause for entry during welfare checks.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lee’s death and the motive behind the initial homicides. The tragic case has left the quiet Puyallup, Washington community grappling with questions about how such a situation could unfold unnoticed for months.
The investigation revealed that Shane Vosler and Bin Lee had resided at the Eastwood Avenue residence for approximately six months, during which time the deceased parents were stored in the freezer-refrigerator. Law enforcement is still examining whether Bin Lee’s gunshot injury was self-administered, which will be determined through analysis of the bullet’s trajectory and angle. Currently, investigators have not established why William and Eileen Vosler were killed, nor what motivated their son and Bin Lee to preserve the bodies in the freezer.
The welfare check on December 29 was initiated after an online friend of one of the homeowners’ sons contacted authorities. This friend informed deputies about a concerning social media post made by the son’s girlfriend, Bin Lee, on November 12, in which she expressed thoughts about taking her own life along with Shane Vosler.
Mental health experts emphasize the importance of community connection and regular check-ins with family members, particularly those who may be socially isolated. The National Alliance on Mental Health reports that social isolation can significantly increase the risk of mental health crises and family violence.
The investigation into the tragic deaths of the Vosler family has primarily concluded, with authorities determining that no additional suspects are involved.