Closure Found: Missing Kent Man Larry Martinez's Body Discovered After Extensive Search Effort
The Kent Police Department announced that the body of Larry Martinez, a missing Kent man, was discovered on August 18 after he had been missing since June 8, 2022. Martinez's skeletal remains were found near SR 167, north of the James Street overpass, by the Washington State Patrol and the Kent Police Department. The King County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that the remains belonged to Martinez.
Martinez, who was 81 years old and experiencing symptoms of dementia at the time of his disappearance, had sparked a community-wide search effort after he walked away from a downtown business. Despite extensive searches and media campaigns conducted by his family, the Kent community, and the police, Martinez remained missing until his remains were found.
The Kent Police Department expressed their hope that finding Martinez's remains would provide some closure to his family and friends. The King County Medical Examiner's Office concluded that foul play was not a factor in Martinez's death.
The discovery of Larry Martinez's body brings an end to the search for the missing Kent man, providing closure to his loved ones and the community.