‘Pending’ — Investigation of man found dead in Madison Park continues

The investigation of a man found dead two weeks ago in a Madison Park parking lot with what police described as “obvious signs of trauma” is in the hands of medical experts.

The Seattle Police Department opened a homicide investigation after the May 24th discovery of 70-year-old James Edward O’Hara dead in a parking garage along an alley behind commercial buildings in Madison Park.

In the days following, the King County Medical Examiner identified the victim and said the 70-year-old had sometime on Saturday, the day before he was found. Investigators were not able to immediately determine a manner and cause of death.

Just over two weeks since his body was discovered, SPD says its investigation continues as detectives await key findings from the medical investigation. A department spokesperson Tuesday said they had no updates in the case.

A spokesperson for the Medical Examiner’s office declined to comment on the specifics of the O’Hara case but said cases are typically classified as “pending” while additional investigation is conducted.

Complicating factors can include the condition of the body, confounding medical conditions, alcohol and drug use, and, sometimes, evidence from authorities about the circumstances of a death.

The Medical Examiner spokesperson said, in general, the timing of “pending” investigations can sometimes takes “a number of months” to resolve as elements like toxicology panels routinely take anywhere from four to twelve weeks to process.

Loved ones are remembering the Spokane-born O’Hara as a man who faced hardships but remained committed to his family.

“Although Ed lived a hard life filled with trials and tribulations, he possessed a good soul that shone through in his actions and relationships,” his brother wrote.

Police continue to collect evidence. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD tip line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.

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