Clark Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

Suspicious Death In Rural Camas Being Investigated As A Homicide-Update - 10/20/22

Update from 10/20/2022 at 09:15

The victim discovered in rural Camas on 10/9/2022 has been identified as Melissa J. Stephan, 55, of Oregon City, Oregon. The Medical Examiner's office determined she died of a homicide from a gunshot wound to the head. On 10/10/2022, a person of interest in this case was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at a hotel in Beaverton, Oregon. She was identified as Ruby M. Stephan, 48, also of Oregon City, Oregon. 

Melissa and Ruby were married and had recently relocated to the area from Texas. 

The Clark County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU) has served multiple search warrants in this case and worked with Detectives from the Beaverton Police Department. MCU detectives continue to work on this investigation and additional updates will be provided when available.

On 10/9/2022, Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a vacant rural property near NE Winters Road and NE 86th Street in Camas, WA for the report of a suspicious death. 

Several people were viewing the large property with a real estate agent when they came across what they believed to be a deceased person and called 911. When deputies arrived, they located a deceased female who had what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Deputies called for the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) for a homicide investigation.

CCSO MCU responded to the scene, interviewed area residents, collected scene evidence, and continued the investigation. During their investigation, they identified a possible person of interest. 

On 10/10/2022, MCU Detectives learned that the person of interest was found dead in Oregon from an apparent suicide, by what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

This is an active investigation being conducted by the Clark County Major Crimes Unit with the assistance of several police departments in Oregon.

No further information at this time. This story will be updated when more information is available.

Suspicious Death In Rural Camas Being Investigated As A Homicide-Update - 10/20/22

Update from 10/20/2022 at 09:15

The victim discovered in rural Camas on 10/9/2022 has been identified as Melissa J. Stephan, 55, of Oregon City, Oregon. The Medical Examiner's office determined she died of a homicide from a gunshot wound to the head. On 10/10/2022, a person of interest in this case was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at a hotel in Beaverton, Oregon. She was identified as Ruby M. Stephan, 48, also of Oregon City, Oregon. 

Melissa and Ruby were married and had recently relocated to the area from Texas. 

The Clark County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU) has served multiple search warrants in this case and worked with Detectives from the Beaverton Police Department. MCU detectives continue to work on this investigation and additional updates will be provided when available.

On 10/9/2022, Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a vacant rural property near NE Winters Road and NE 86th Street in Camas, WA for the report of a suspicious death. 

Several people were viewing the large property with a real estate agent when they came across what they believed to be a deceased person and called 911. When deputies arrived, they located a deceased female who had what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Deputies called for the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) for a homicide investigation.

CCSO MCU responded to the scene, interviewed area residents, collected scene evidence, and continued the investigation. During their investigation, they identified a possible person of interest. 

On 10/10/2022, MCU Detectives learned that the person of interest was found dead in Oregon from an apparent suicide, by what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

This is an active investigation being conducted by the Clark County Major Crimes Unit with the assistance of several police departments in Oregon.

No further information at this time. This story will be updated when more information is available.