A 59-year-old man from Washington State has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of 30-year-old Kalyn P. Smith, whose body was discovered in a ditch in Tacoma in October 2021. Edwin Newlander is now facing serious allegations, including being a suspected perpetrator in two separate rape cases that occurred in 2019 and 2025.
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The tragic discovery of Smith’s body on 12 October 2021 prompted an immediate investigation by the Tacoma police, who responded to reports of a woman found in a ditch on East M Street. A coroner’s examination later determined that Smith had died from asphyxia as a result of neck compression.
Evidence collected during the investigation, particularly DNA from Smith’s fingernail clippings, has connected Newlander to Smith’s murder as well as the two rape cases under review. According to a probable cause affidavit, this DNA was matched with evidence from ongoing investigations into the rapes.
The first rape incident took place in 2019, followed by another in 2025, in which a victim identified as J.H. reported being sexually assaulted on two occasions. During police interviews, J.H. described her attacker as a white male in his 50s who had a distinctive appearance, which matched the description of Newlander. Tragically, J.H. was later found dead at a gas station in 2026, with investigators linking video footage of Newlander’s pickup truck to her location shortly before her death.
The investigation took an additional turn when a cigarette butt discarded by Newlander during a traffic stop was later identified through DNA testing. This analysis connected him to both Smith’s murder and the rapes, further complicating the ongoing case against him.
Newlander’s account of his interaction with Smith has changed multiple times since the investigation began. Initially, he said he encountered Smith while attempting to “make a new friend.” He claimed that Smith had assaulted him, stating that she scratched his face and arms. Newlander denied any physical aggression, insisting that he simply tried to leave after offering her clothes from his vehicle.
As the investigation progressed, authorities informed Newlander that Smith had died, which resulted in a shift in his narrative. He later recounted additional details, claiming they had met several times and even “messed around” together. Importantly, when police inquired about what Smith was wearing, Newlander accurately described the flannel pajama bottoms with an animal print that she had on when her body was found.
Despite the mounting evidence, Newlander has maintained his innocence, steadfastly denying any involvement in Smith’s death. A court commissioner entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf, leaving the matter to be resolved through the judicial process.
As the investigation continues, the case highlights growing concerns over violence against women and the frequency of unsolved cases linked with sexual assault. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with pertinent information related to Newlander’s past or Smith’s death to come forward.
The charges against Edwin Newlander mark a significant development in a case that has been closely followed by the local community and has raised awareness about the importance of addressing and preventing such tragic incidents. The next steps in the legal proceedings will be closely monitored as they proceed through the courts.