Police in Washington state have officially solved a long-standing cold case following a 40-year investigation that pointed to a man from Kamloops, B.C. The Wenatchee Police Department revealed that Henry Leland is believed to have murdered Carol Traicoff, 35, around May 14, 1986. Leland, who passed away in 2007, was a recognizable figure in Kamloops after spending years living on its streets.
According to a news release by Wenatchee police, Traicoff was found deceased, and the investigation determined her death to be a result of a “homicidal assault.” Despite initial efforts, the case remained unsolved due to limitations in forensic testing at the time. However, in July 2024, DNA evidence was reanalyzed, leading to the identification of Leland as the suspect on February 24, 2025, through a comparison with his sister’s DNA.
The police department expressed gratitude to Traicoff’s family for their perseverance in seeking justice for her. Notably, Traicoff would have turned 75 today. In Kamloops, a supportive housing facility was named after Leland in 2009, reflecting the community’s positive perception of him as a kind individual. The building, known as the Henry Leland House, is managed by the ASK Wellness Society and funded by B.C. Housing. However, the executive officer of the society announced plans to remove Leland’s name from the building pending further community consultation, especially with local First Nations, considering Leland’s Indigenous heritage.
The decision to rename the building stems from a desire to acknowledge the tragic circumstances surrounding Traicoff’s death and prevent homelessness-related fatalities in the future. Despite Leland’s positive reputation in Kamloops, his involvement in Traicoff’s murder has prompted a reevaluation of honoring him in the community.