Vancouver, Wash. – On March 18, 2023, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to the Springfield Meadows apartments (4317 NE 66^th Avenue) regarding a welfare check for Meshay Melendez, 27 years old, and her 7-year-old daughter Layla Stewart. Family members reported they had not heard from Meshay since March 11, and a friend told them Meshay and Layla had not been home for a few days and their dog was inside the apartment barking. A family member let the officer into Meshay’s apartment, which was unoccupied except for the dog. 

Investigators learned that Meshay, Layla, and Meshay’s ex-boyfriend Kirkland C. Warren had stayed at the home of an acquaintance on March 11 and the three were seen leaving in a burgundy Dodge Charger on March 12 at approximately 6:00 a.m.

On March 19, Meshay’s mother located her vehicle (2000 Chrysler 200) in the 7800 block of NE Loowit Loop. Vancouver Police seized it for a search warrant. 

On March 19, Vancouver Police executed a search warrant at Warren’s residence (3700 block of NE 109^th Ave) and took Warren into custody. He was arrested and booked on Tampering with a Witness, Violation of DV Orders (Meshay Melendez as the listed protected person), Assault IV-DV, Drive-By Shooting and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm II.

On March 22, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding two bodies that were located in a rural area near Washougal. Vancouver Police Detectives were contacted and believe them to be Meshay Melendez and Layla Stewart, based on unique identifying genetic marks. Family members of Meshay and Layla have been notified. Cause and manner of death are pending the report from the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. 

The investigation is continuing and nothing further is releasable at this time.

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