New clues in Cowell homicide

WENATCHEE — Investigators determined Mackenzie Cowell may have been at the Wenatchee Riverfront Park boat ramp at the edge of Orondo Street shortly before she went missing.

It is believed she went to the boat ramp after leaving her place of work, the Wenatchee Academy of Hair Design on Feb. 9.

The 17-year-old Orondo teen was found dead along the Columbia River in Crescent Bar Feb. 13, by passersby.

“Investigators canvassed the area looking for evidence and talking to citizens in the area,” according to the Cowell Homicide Task Force. “It is not known why she was there or who she may have met.”

Authorities are asking anyone who may have been in the area of the boat ramp, lawn, parking lot or bike path on Feb. 9, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to call 509-663-9911 if it is believed someone saw her or her vehicle.

The task force continues to look for her cellphone.

“It was not in her vehicle at the end of Pitcher Canyon nor on her person at Crescent Bar,” the task force notes. “Her phone was an LG EnV2. If anyone has found or has seen a phone of this type that may be related to this case, please call the tip line.”

Investigators have no suspects.

“Rumors that a suspect is in custody or we have developed enough information to identify a person of interest are not true,” the task force reports. “There are no persons of interest or suspects identified at this time.”

The Cowell family established a reward fund for information leading to the prosecution of the person or people involved in the girl’s homicide. The reward is $5,800.