Questions arise about how Seattle is addressing homeless crisis after body found at encampment

A homicide investigation of a woman at a homeless encampment in South Lake Union has people raising questions about how Seattle is addressing homeless and encampments all across the city.

On Monday, crews with the King County Regional Homeless Authority assisted in clearing out an encampment under the Ship Canal Bridge .

A fence that stretched from Pasadena Place Northeast towards the John Stanford International School was put up around the site. It has already been cut or ripped.

WSDOT tells KIRO 7 News the fence will be repaired.

The area under the bridge was called a “priority site” by the KCRHA due to widespread safety issues and its proximity to the school.

Several fires and shootings have also been connected to the encampment.

The body of Annette Barnes, 66, was found at an encampment off Mercer Street two weeks ago and now Seattle police say they are investigating it as a homicide .

According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, the woman was strangled.

The city has continued to crack down on encampments across the city. According to the Mayor’s office, last year 800 camps were cleared.

The difference now though, according to the Mayor’s office, outreach programs happen before every clear-out.