A26-13201 Missing Person Investigation - Update(Photo) - 06/24/26

PRESS RELEASE - UPDATE
A26-13201 MISSING PERSON INVESTIGATION
JUNE 24, 2026

***UPDATE***

At about 1700 hours of June 24, 2026, a Cowlitz County Patrol Deputy was waved down by a citizen in the 400 block of Delameter Road in Castle Rock where the Deputy learned a black passenger car was submerged on its top in Arkansas Creek. The Deputy confirmed a deceased person was within the vehicle. Detectives were called to the scene.

Detectives determined the black Honda Accord, Washington license BZN5762, had left the roadway in the 300 block of Delameter Road. The vehicle continued through a field until it went down an embankment and overturned into Arkansas Creek. Arkansas Creek is about 3 feet deep where the vehicle was located. The driver and sole occupant was tentatively identified as missing person Lori Moore. Moore's next of kin have been notified.

The Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to Ms. Moore's family and friends.

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On June 20, 2026, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the family of 55-year-old Loretta Evelyn Moore (aka Lori Moore) to report her as a missing person.  Lori did not return home after visiting a known acquaintance in the Castle Rock, Washington area on June 19, 2026.  Lori had missed an event with the family for Father’s Day.  Family members also reported Lori has a medical condition affecting her heart.

On June 21, 2026, Detectives contacted the known acquaintance and obtained video footage of her leaving the Castle Rock address on June 19, 2026, at 21:25 hours in her black 2018 Honda Accord.  Detectives obtained cellular records and learned the last known location Lori was traveling southbound I-5 near exit 48 at 21:31 hours.

Since June 19, 2026, there has not been any activity on Lori’s phone, credit cards, or online accounts, and she has not shown up to work.

Due to the suspicious nature of Lori’s disappearance, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating Lori Moore.

Lori drives a black 2018 Honda Accord with Washington License BZN5762. 

The attached photos are of Lori’s Honda and Lori at a local restaurant the day of her disappearance.

The Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone with information about Lori Moore’s disappearance to please contact Detective Jason Hammer or Detective Ryan Plank at (360) 577-3092, regarding case number A26-13201.

A26-8173 - Vehicular Homicide Arrest (Photo) - 06/09/26

PRESS RELEASE

A26-8173 VEHICULAR HOMICIDE ARREST

JUNE 9, 2026

On April 18, 2026, deputies responded to a report of a rollover accident in the 200 block of Maranatha Road near Kelso. Deputies learned that a 1994 Toyota 4Runner driven by 19-year-old Jacob Manecke Jr had reportedly been traveling at a high rate of speed on Maranatha Road as he was being pursued by an individual on a side-by-side ATV. An 18-year-old passenger, identified as Elden Ragsdale of Longview, was partially ejected from the 4Runner and pinned under the vehicle when it rolled over. Ragsdale was confirmed to be deceased at the scene .

A collision scene reconstruction was completed with assistance from the Washington State Patrol.  The investigation determined the 4Runner left the gravel roadway on a curve and overturned. Deputies interviewed passengers from the 4Runner, who stated Manecke was driving at a high rate of speed.  One passenger stated Ragsdale asked Manecke to slow down or pull over prior to the crash.

Deputies spoke with Manecke and noticed an odor of intoxicants coming from his vehicle. A Preliminary Breath Test was conducted, and it detected the presence of alcohol. Manecke admitted to having consumed alcohol. Deputies obtained a search warrant, and a legal blood draw was conducted on Manecke.

Deputies also interviewed the ATV operator, who stated the 4Runner had driven by his house at a high rate of speed, potentially damaging the road.  The ATV operator stated he had attempted to get the license plate of the 4Runner, but reportedly lost sight of it and was not aware that it had been involved in a crash. 

The blood evidence obtained from Manecke was sent to the WSP Crime Laboratory for analysis. The results indicated that Manecke was positive for Ethanol and THC.

On June 9, 2026, Jacob Manecke Jr. was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail for Vehicular Homicide.