Heavenly Pin Death: Investigations in Progress with Autopsy Arranged

Enumclaw, WA – July 29, 2025 – Authorities in Enumclaw, Washington, are intensifying their investigation into the death of Kenneth Pinyan, known in certain online communities by the alias “Heavenly Pin,” following his passing on July 2, 2005. The 45-year-old’s death, initially reported as an accident, has prompted a complex medicolegal investigation due to the unusual circumstances surrounding it. An autopsy has been arranged to determine the precise cause and manner of death, with results expected to provide critical insights into this high-profile case.

Pinyan was dropped off anonymously at Enumclaw Community Hospital on July 2, 2005, where medical staff pronounced him dead. According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, Pinyan succumbed to acute peritonitis caused by a perforation of the colon, a condition linked to his activities at a rural farm known for zoophilic encounters. The death was initially ruled accidental, but ongoing investigations are exploring whether additional factors or individuals were involved.

The case gained notoriety after authorities seized over 100 VHS tapes and DVDs from the Enumclaw-area farm, revealing footage of Pinyan and others engaging in sexual acts with animals, specifically horses. One video, widely circulated online and dubbed “Mr. Hands,” became a viral shock video, drawing significant public attention and prompting legislative changes in Washington State. The investigation led to the arrest of James Michael Tait, who was convicted of trespassing in connection to the farm’s activities, as zoophilia was not illegal in Washington at the time. Tait received a suspended one-year sentence, a $300 fine, and one day of community service.

The King County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Medical Examiner’s Office, is conducting a thorough death investigation. A forensic autopsy, ordered by the coroner, is scheduled to be performed by a board-certified forensic pathologist to confirm the cause of death and assess any contributing factors, such as potential foul play or external influences. The process involves an external and internal examination of the body, with tissue samples possibly retained for toxicological or microscopic analysis, as per California Government Code Section 27491.4. The autopsy is expected to be completed within 48 hours, though additional tests could delay final results for up to 4-6 months if complex analyses are required.

Investigators are also reviewing the farm’s role as a known destination for zoophilic activities, identified through online chat rooms. The case has raised questions about the adequacy of existing laws at the time, as Washington’s sodomy laws, repealed in 1976, did not criminalize zoophilia. Following Pinyan’s death, State Senator Pam Roach introduced a bill banning bestiality, which was enacted, making such acts a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

The investigation has stirred controversy in Enumclaw, with residents expressing shock and reluctance to discuss the incident, even two decades later. Charles Mudede, writing for The Seattle Times, noted the community’s ongoing discomfort with the event’s infamy. The case also inspired the 2007 documentary Zoo, which premiered at Sundance and explored the lives of those involved, further amplifying public interest.

As the autopsy results are pending, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Medical Examiner’s Office has stated that the body will be released to the next of kin within 72 hours of the autopsy’s completion, provided no further investigative holds are required. The Enumclaw Police Department and the King County Medical Examiner’s Office have declined to comment further, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

This case continues to captivate and divide public opinion, with updates expected as the autopsy findings and further investigative details emerge.