Man charged with murder in case of missing Salem mother, son

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Authorities in Salem say they’ve arrested a man on murder and kidnapping charges following the disappearance of a mother and her 3-year-old son.

The Salem Police Department said in a statement Friday afternoon that Michael John Wolfe, the child’s biological father, was in custody. The statement said Wolfe, of Gaston, is being charged with two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of kidnapping.

Karissa Alyn Fretwell, 25 and her son, William, have not been found. Fretwell hasn’t been heard from since May 13.

Court papers show that Fretwell went to court last year to establish that the 52-year-old Wolfe was William’s father.

A DNA test verified her claim, and Fretwell then filed a petition seeking more than $1,000 a month in child support from Wolfe, court records show.

KPTV reports crews searched a rural Yamhill County property and Wolfe’s home in Gaston as part of the investigation Thursday.

Police said Friday they are continuing to search for Karissa and William Fretwell in rural Yamhill County.