Update: Cowlitz Sheriff Detectives arrested Kristopher L. Hoyt age 27 for Murder in the 1st degree. He is the second person to be arrested in this case. Hoyt was picked up by detectives from the prison in Monroe Washington earlier today and he was booked in to the Cowlitz County Jail this afternoon.
Hoyt is expected to have his first court appearance tomorrow. Media will have to call the Cowlitz Superior Court for details about court appearance times.
The case is still a very active investigation. Anyone who has any information about Griffin or Hoyt's involvement in this murder is encouraged to call Sergeant Troy Brightbill at 360-577-3092.
People who wish to remain anonyous can use their smart phones and the tip411 app as long as they make the tips attention to the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office.
CCD C. Rosenzweig
Previous media release below.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Woodland, WA: After two years of active investigation, Cowlitz County Sheriff’s detectives arrested a male suspect in the 2016 murder of 62 year old Donald William Howard of Woodland, WA. Mr. Howard was found murdered in his Dahlia St. home on November 22, 2016. Woodland Police and the Sheriff’s Office have worked together on this investigation since the onset.
The suspect, Dustin Alan Griffin, age 39 of Vancouver, WA was arrested late yesterday, and was booked in the Cowlitz County Jail for Murder in the 1st Degree. (It is unknown what time his arraignment will be.)
“This is an example of the great day-in and day-out hard work being done by our detectives. We knew from the beginning that we were going to solve this case, but it has taken hard work and tenacity by these guys to get it done.” said Cowlitz County Sheriff Mark Nelson. “I couldn’t be happier for Mr. Howard’s family that this part of their nightmare is over.”
Media Note: Washington law prevents us from releasing the suspect’s booking photo and the relatives have indicated that they do not wish to be interviewed by the media at this time.
Chief Criminal Deputy Charlie Rosenzweig
Longview, WA: On 10/09/2018 at 11:25 PM, the Cowlitz County 911 Center received a call for a lost/missing mushroom picker. The missing subject, 61 year old Kevin Carey of Longview, was last seen in the woods approximately 3.5 miles off the end of Abernathy Creek Road at 6:30 PM. He had been mushroom picking with a friend and they got separated. Cowlitz County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area to begin searching for Mr. Carey. Cowlitz County Search and Rescue were called in and volunteers responded and began searching the immediate area where he was last seen. Search and Rescue volunteers stayed at the scene throughout the night and additions volunteers from Clark County Search and Rescue and Wahkiakum Search and Rescue arrived in the morning and the search continued. The command post received information that Mr. Carey had been seen by hunters around 11:15 AM walking on a logging road. Searchers and family members began looking in that area and at 12:43 PM, Mr. Carey was located. Mr. Carey was transported the command post and evaluated by aid and then released to go home with family. Mr. Carey was in good spirits and did not seem to have any injuries.
Corey D. Huffine, Undersheriff
Update Monday: Noon: Attached is a pic of the slide taken by Sheriff Deputy Derek Baker with the department drone. Public Works reports the geotechnical inspector approved the work on the slide and public works crews epect to have the slide cleared and the road opened this afternoon.
I do not have an estimate of the number of homes beyond the slide. (Sorry).
CCD Rosenzweig
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Kalama, Washington - A slide is completely blocking the Kalama River Road in Cowlitz County, Washington. The slide is just east of Mahafey's campground which slightly more than 2 miles east of I-5. The power is also out in the area.
The Sheriff's Office has brought in extra deputies who will be patrolling the area throughout the night.
Public Work crews have put out signage on both sides of the blockage and they have also opened up the detour route that goes up over the 8100 logging road that connects to the Little Kalama River Road off of the Lewis River Highway (SR503). They have also contacted Geo-Technical experts who will be on site tomorrow to evaluate the slide and if it is determined that it is safe to clear the road they will do so.
The Cowlitz PUD is on site and will be working to re-establish power to the area. They hope to be able to complete the repair tonight.
The Department of Emergency Management is aware of the circumstances and they have been publishing info on social media.
Local schools have also been notified. The fire and EMS have been advised and they are prepared to handle calls for service.
There will be more media releases as events change.
CCD. C. Rosenzweig