Washington Man Accused of Killing Victim by Mechanical Asphyxia and Cleaning Body with Easy-Off Oven Cleaner
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — A man already serving time in New Mexico has been charged with second-degree murder in a cold case that shocked investigators with its disturbing details — including the use of Easy-Off oven cleaner on the victim’s body.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, 37-year-old Clay Fosse is accused of killing Thomas Hess inside his Seattle apartment nearly ten years ago and attempting to erase evidence by scrubbing the body with chemical cleaner.
The 2015 Discovery: Victim Found Bound and Covered
Police said the crime took place on February 12, 2015, at an apartment on the 2300 block of 1st Avenue in downtown Seattle. Roommates discovered Hess’s body two days later around 2 a.m. on February 14, covered by blankets with a leather “mask” placed over his face.
Investigators found Hess’s wrists bound tightly behind his back with a shoelace, and a can of Easy-Off oven cleaner next to his feet. Officers noted the strong odor of chemicals coming from the body.
An autopsy revealed blunt-force injuries to Hess’s face, neck, and torso — along with multiple broken bones. The King County Medical Examiner determined his cause of death was probable mechanical asphyxia, meaning his breathing had been obstructed by external force.
DNA Evidence and Breakthrough in the Case
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage showing Hess entering the apartment building around 3 p.m. on February 12 with an unidentified man — later seen leaving alone seven hours later.
Evidence including nail clippings and swabs was sent to the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. In 2016, forensic testing revealed DNA belonging to Fosse, who was then incarcerated in Bernalillo County Jail in New Mexico on unrelated charges.
A follow-up analysis in May 2024 confirmed that DNA from the victim’s neck matched both Hess and Fosse, solidifying the connection between them and prompting renewed charges.
Suspect’s Criminal History and Current Status
Authorities said Fosse has a lengthy criminal record, including kidnapping, false imprisonment, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was also arrested in Washington state weeks after the 2015 murder for assault and criminal trespass but was never tied to Hess’s death until the DNA match years later.
Fosse remains in the New Mexico Department of Corrections, where he is serving time for unrelated violent offenses. Detectives have not yet established a motive or explained how Fosse and Hess knew each other.
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