Fears Of Other Possible Victims

The ex-teacher, Stephen Kaufman, appeared in court Monday in the case of Ashley Parks, 15, whose body was found near a trail in Thurston County.

As the former drafting teacher was in court, students at North Thurston High school where he used to teach were in disbelief.

"It's just weird to think that a teacher from here killed somebody," said Brian Tracy, a student.

According to court documents obtained by KIRO 7 Eyewitness News, police believe Kaufman lured Parks from Bellingham using the Internet. They allege he had a sexual relationship with her and then murdered her, dumping her body near a popular Olympia-area trail.

Police said since KIRO 7 Eyewitness News aired video of Kaufman's arrest last Friday, they have been getting calls from other young women who may have been lured by Kaufman over the Internet.

"Some of them have actually been younger females, who are providing us information that maybe relevant to this case or possibly other cases," said Dan Kimball with the Thurston County Sheriff's Department.

Police said Kaufman told them several stories, including that Parks left in the middle of the night to stay with an aunt in Olympia.

He admitted to bagging up her clothes and leaving them in a dumpster, police said. Detectives have recovered them for evidence.

Kaufman is being held without bail.

Previous Stories: September 13, 2003: Man Arrested In Teen's Death September 10, 2003: Deputies Identify Suspect In Teen's Death September 5, 2003: Trail Body Case Investigated As Homicide