State medical examiner: Suspicious death at La Pine-area campsite was a homicide
(Update: Adding Video)
La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon state medical examiner has determined that a recently discovered suspicious death at a camp in the La Pine area was a homicide, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said Tuesday.
Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Wall also confirmed to NewsChannel 21 that the victim was a Central Oregon resident.
Deputies were dispatched around 8:30 a.m. on Friday December 20th to a report of a deceased subject at a camp north of Masten Road and east of Jackpine Loop, Wall said. Upon arrival, deputies began investigating a suspicious death.
"The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division has been advised by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office the manner of death is being ruled a homicide," the sergeant said in Tuesday's update.
Wall said the Detective Division "is continuing to work closely with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon State Police Crime Lab, and the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office."
The investigation is still ongoing, he said, and further information will be released when it becomes available. The victim's name and age are being withheld at this time.
Anyone with information that could assist detectives was asked to contact Deschutes County 911 Dispatch at 541-693-6911, in reference to Case No. 24-72494.
When the investigation began, Wall advised, "Investigators believe this is an isolated incident. However, we ask the public to remain vigilant. If suspicious persons or vehicles are witnessed, please contact Deschutes County 911."
