Police ID person of interest in decapitation of woman on Camano Island

CAMANO ISLAND, Wash. — The Island County Sheriff is searching for a person of interest in the homicide of a woman whose body was found decapitated on Camano Island.

The Sheriff's Office is looking for Jacob Gonzales, 34.  They think he is on his way to southern or central California.

The green 1990 Mitsubishi Montero he was believed to be driving was found and police say it no longer belongs to Gonzales. Police say from information coming in from various tips it appears that he may be driving a silver compact car.

Gonzales is believed to be armed and investigators warn the public not to approach him. He's described as Hispanic, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 150 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes.

The Island County Coroner identified the victim Wednesday as 26-year-old Katherine Cunningham and revealed that she was decapitated.

Cunningham’s body was found in the woods off Tamarack Lane on Saturday. Investigators spent days collecting evidence at the murder scene and from a bunker found near the body that contained a cache of firearms, ammunition and supplies.

Lori, the owner of the Tyee store where Cunningham was a customer, was upset to hear she was murdered.

“Oh my God, it breaks my heart. This was a nice young woman who came in the store,” said Lori.

Deputies believe Cunningham had been dead for several days and was specifically targeted.

Detectives served several search warrants on the property on south Camano Island.

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