Investigation continues in death of Bothell woman

BOTHELL, Wash. — More than a month has passed since the death of a Bothell woman, and now new court documents show why investigators think her estranged husband may have been involved.

Police said Susann Smith was found dead in a bathtub at her Bothell home in February.

Investigators are still working on naming a suspect, but the only person of interest police have named is Smith’s estranged husband, Alan Smith.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter David Ham asked Alan Smith if he had anything to do with his wife’s death.

“I would not like to speak with you please. Please leave me at peace,” Alan Smith said.

Court documents show Susann Smith could have been beaten with a mallet – one that investigators found Alan Smith bought at Home Depot along with coveralls months ago, before Susann Smith’s death.

Investigators also found traces of blood on the steering wheel of Alan Smith’s Mercedes and on his backpack.

“We’re still heartbroken over the whole thing,” said Susann Smith’s friend, Rose Buckley.

Police haven’t said why it's taking so long to name a suspect. They only said investigators are working very hard on the case.

Days before Susann Smith was killed, Alan Smith looked up airfare for himself and his two kids to Venezuela, and looked up the best places to live in Central America.

“You surmise things, but that doesn’t mean it’s solved,” Buckley said.

Buckley is aware of the many pieces of evidence, but understands why someone still isn’t locked up for Susann’s death.

“It seems pretty obvious, but like I said, you have to be sure,” Buckley said.

Bothell police said detectives are making sure they complete a very thorough investigation.

KIRO