Astoria man charged in death of Salem woman who disappeared

Published September 22, 2021 5:30 am

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — An Astoria man is facing charges in connection with the murder of a Salem woman who went missing in March. The Statesman Journal reports Gustavo Ochoa-Valadez was arrested and is being held without bail at the Marion County Jail in the death of 42-year-old Tonna Purnell. Ochoa-Valadez was arraigned earlier this month on murder, kidnapping and unlawful use of a firearm charges. A charging document alleges Ochoa-Valadez kidnapped Purnell, was a “participant in the crime,” and “caused her death.” Authorities have not said if Purnell’s body was found. It wasn’t immediately known if Ochoa-Valadez has a lawyer to comment on the case.

Article Topic Follows: AP - Oregon-Northwest

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