SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: A tragic discovery was made near San Fransisco's Golden Gate Park on Sunday, August 13, as the body of a woman was found inside a duffle bag.
The woman has been identified as Kelly Koike, 37, and was found dead under suspicious circumstances near the park, which had just hosted the three-day Outside Lands Music Festival.
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Authorities are yet to release any concrete information surrounding the woman's death. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and the police have assured the community that there is no imminent threat to public safety.
Who was Kelly Koike?
Kelly's journey was marked by aspirations and challenges alike. A graduate of Castro Valley High in 2004, she pursued her passion for culinary arts in San Francisco.
Yet, beneath the surface, Kelly grappled with multiple mental illnesses that cast a shadow over her life in recent years. Roya Koike, Kelly's mother, shared that the trials of her daughter extended beyond her struggles with mental health.
After being evicted from a San Francisco residential hotel in 2019, Kelly found herself without a home, navigating the hardships of living on the streets, as per The San Francisco Standard.
In an effort to support her, Roya offered shelter with the condition that she'll be consistent in taking her prescribed medications. However, she was unable to stick with the discussed plan, and Roya had to evict her after a few months.
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Despite their struggles, Kelly's mother remembered her for having a "really big heart," sharing that their relationship was characterized by a profound bond. Roya also expressed that they "were best buddies" who deeply understood each other.
How was Kelly Koike's body found?
Kelly's body was uncovered around 7.24 pm, concealed within a sizable duffel bag at the intersection of Fulton Street and 22nd Avenue, after it was initially sighted by a vigilant dog walker traversing the area, as reported by The San Francisco Standard.
The body was discovered a short distance from the festival box office within the park, and approximately eight blocks away from the main entrance of the music festival near 30th and Fulton.
Residents expressed the need for increased security measures around the park, particularly during events like Outside Lands. They emphasized that this incident underscores the reasons why they refrain from visiting Golden Gate Park after sunset and avoid the dirt trails.
"I avoid that time, 'cause I've been here for 20 years and I've seen so many things; a lot of homeless people in the park," said SF resident Peter Traub. The circumstances surrounding Kelly's tragic death remain shrouded in uncertainty and it's unclear whether she attended any part of the recent music festival.
As of now, the investigation into her death is underway, led by the San Francisco Police Department's homicide unit.
Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD 24-hour tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.
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