On February 8, 2016, Cheryl DeBoer was reported missing after failing to arrive for work. DeBoer’s vehicle was later discovered in the 23400 Block of 58th Ave West in Mountlake Terrace. The vehicle and surrounding area revealed no evidence of assault, abduction or struggle.
On February 14th, DeBoer’s body was discovered by search crews in a culvert located at 244th Street SW and Cedar Way, in Mountlake Terrace. DeBoer had a plastic bag loosely taped over her head. The autopsy, performed by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner, determined asphyxiation and fresh water drowning as the cause of death. DeBoer’s toxicology results revealed an absence of any substance that could have contributed to her death. Additionally, the autopsy did not reveal any injuries consistent with DeBoer being a victim of an assault, abduction or struggle.
The Mountlake Terrace Police Department has completed their investigation into DeBoer’s death and met with members of the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Officer to discuss forensic, medical, physical, and circumstantial evidence discovered during the investigation. After a thorough review of the evidence in the investigation, the Medical Examiner determined suicide as the manner of DeBoer’s death.
Mountlake Terrace Police recently met with the family members to discuss the findings of the investigation. Mike DeBoer, Cheryl’s husband, thanked the community for their support over the past several months and expressed his appreciation for the thorough and careful work of the Mountlake Terrace Police Department and for the caring and compassionate manner in which detectives interacted with the family. The family also has asked for everyone to please respect their privacy during this difficult time.
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