A shocking and tragic crime has unfolded in Washington state, where 55-year-old Willie James McCoo stands accused of brutally murdering his girlfriend, Kiara Sewell, 31, and then dismembering her body.
The gruesome details of the crime have left the victim’s family devastated, as McCoo is now behind bars facing a murder charge.
The Discovery of Kiara Sewell’s Body
The tragic incident took place on June 15, 2024, when Seattle police responded to an apartment building on the 900 block of North 143rd Street. Upon arrival, officers found Kiara Sewell’s body, which displayed “obvious signs of trauma.” A coroner later determined that Sewell had likely died on June 10, several days before her body was discovered.
Surveillance footage revealed McCoo and Sewell were seen entering and leaving the building on June 8 and 9. However, only McCoo was seen on the video after that, often carrying duffle bags and garbage bags, which raised suspicions. It was only after the investigation progressed that authorities were able to link him to the gruesome crime.
McCoo’s Violent Past
The investigation uncovered disturbing details about McCoo’s criminal history. In a search of McCoo’s storage locker, police found a machete with an 18-inch blade and a hunting knife with an 11-inch blade, both of which were likely used in the brutal murder.
McCoo’s violent history dates back nearly 20 years, when he was convicted of first-degree assault after attacking a woman with a knife while she was sleeping.
He had served nearly two decades in prison for that crime, but his sentence was shortened after the Washington Supreme Court ruled the state’s drug possession law unconstitutional. With his sentence reduced, McCoo was released from prison last fall, despite his lengthy history of violent behavior.
Sewell’s mother, Taneika Tigner, expressed her grief and outrage at McCoo’s actions, calling for justice for her daughter. “He stabbed her in the face. The back of her neck is decapitated,” Tigner said, reflecting the brutality of the crime. She demanded that McCoo “pay for what he did to my daughter.”
A Family Devastated by the Loss
Sewell’s family, still reeling from the horrific loss, has expressed their frustration with the justice system, with her uncle, Sekou Forrester, stating that McCoo “hasn’t done anything but cause destruction.” Sewell, who leaves behind four children, is remembered by her family and friends for her vibrant personality.
A GoFundMe campaign set up in her honor shared the family’s desire to celebrate her life. “Kiara wouldn’t want her friends and family and all that knew her to sit in sadness,” the post reads. “Mourn, but don’t stay there. Celebrate her life.”
Sewell’s family remembers her for her beautiful smile, her wild stories, and her off-key singing, a stark contrast to the tragic end she met at the hands of someone she trusted.
McCoo’s Arrest and Bail
McCoo was arrested on Monday and is currently being held at the King County Correctional Facility on a $4 million bond. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to gather evidence in the case.
McCoo now faces charges of murder, and his violent past and the brutality of the crime make it likely that he will face significant legal consequences for his actions.
The murder of Kiara Sewell is a devastating reminder of the destructive nature of violent crime and the impact it has on the victims’ families. The family’s grief is compounded by the knowledge that McCoo had been given a second chance after serving time for a previous violent crime.
As the investigation continues, Sewell’s family remains hopeful for justice and determined to honor her memory.
