Delivery person finds man dead in Thurston Co., prompting homicide investigation

Update: An Olympia man has been arrested as part of the death investigation, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office announced late Tuesday.

The man was booked into jail on suspicion of unlawful disposal of human remains. The male victim had visible injuries and his death did not occur where he was found, according to the announcement.

Although the sheriff’s office has made an arrest, they continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to contact detectives at detectives@co.thurston.wa.us.

Earlier: The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a man’s death as a homicide, a spokesman for the department said Tuesday.

The man’s body was found outside a residence in the area of 153rd Avenue Southeast and Lindsay Road Southeast by a parcel delivery person early Monday afternoon, said Lt. Mike Brooks.

That address is in the Lake Lawrence area of the county, he added.

The body was found with some suspected trauma to it, although further details were not immediately available, he said.

Brooks said the department has a lead on a suspect.

No other information about the incident was immediately available, although the sheriff’s office plans to release more details soon, he said.

Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock said the man was 50 to 60 years old. His medical examination was set for Tuesday, he said.

This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 10:18 AM.