Detectives Requesting Public Assistance In Ridgefield Death Investigation (Photo) -04/18/23

On 4/8/2023, around 5:57 PM, the Ridgefield Police Department and Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue responded to a report of a deceased person at an abandoned property near the 8000 block of S 5^th St in Ridgefield, Washington.

At the request of Ridgefield Police, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU), assisted by the Vancouver Police Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate.  The identity and circumstances of the deceased are under investigation.

There is no further information being released at this time.  Additional updates will be provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office at a later date.

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Update for 4/18/2023.

The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as 32-year-old Joanna Speaks of Oregon.

The deceased was located near an abandoned barn at 8004 S 5^th St and there are indications the body was moved to this location.  This is being investigated as a homicide and no further details regarding the circumstances of the body are being released at this time.

CCSO is asking for the public’s assistance with this investigation.  Please contact detectives if you are aware of any suspicious people or vehicles at or near 8004 S 5^th St in Ridgefield during the last few weeks.  If you have recent contact with Joanna Speaks or have information about where she has been staying or who she has been associating with, please contact detectives.

If you have any information, please contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at 564-397-2847.

Attached are pictures of Joanna Speaks provided by her family.