Renewed Collaboration And Commitment In Kyron Horman Case Ahead Of 15th Anniversary Of Disappearance (Photo) -05/09/25

As the 15th anniversary of Kyron Horman’s disappearance approaches, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and law enforcement partners are reaffirming their commitment to finding Kyron and pursuing justice.

Over the past year, investigators have undertaken a significant effort to modernize and review the case through a renewed, collaborative approach. The MCSO and Gresham Police detectives are working to digitize and reorganize the entire case. This means scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence.

When the case is digitized, the file will be reexamined by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). The BAU is a unit within the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime that uses behavioral analysis to assist in criminal investigations, by analyzing statements, narratives and evidence, performing psychological and behavioral analysis and offering investigative recommendations based on patterns from similar historic and current cases nationwide.

These steps lay the foundation for a fresh and comprehensive review of the entire investigation. In the coming months, MCSO detectives will meet with Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and his team for further evaluation.

Kyron Horman was last seen on the morning of June 4, 2010, at Skyline Elementary School in Portland, Oregon, attending his school’s science fair. He has not been seen or heard from since. At the time, he was seven years old. Kyron has brown hair, blue eyes, and wears glasses. He also has a distinct V-shaped strawberry birthmark on his forehead.

On the day of his disappearance, Kyron was wearing a black t-shirt with "CSI" in green letters and a handprint graphic. He was also wearing black cargo pants, white socks, and black Skechers sneakers with orange trim. Kyron may have had his glasses on at the time.

“We have never stopped searching for Kyron,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring resolution to this case, for Kyron, for his family and for the community. With the support of our partners and the public, we are actively pursuing every credible investigative opportunity. Kyron and his family are at the heart of our work.”

Each year, hundreds of tips are received, reviewed and considered for follow-up by investigators. To support this continued work, detectives are leveraging advances in software, digital forensics and technology to examine new and existing leads.

“As we approach the 15th anniversary of Kyron Horman’s disappearance, I want to reaffirm my continued commitment to this case,” said Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez. “My office has begun a thorough and methodical review of the case with fresh eyes, and we look forward to receiving further analysis from the Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Our focus remains where it has always belonged—on Kyron and his family.”

A $50,000 reward remains available for information leading to the resolution of Kyron’s disappearance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the MCSO TipLine at 503-988-0560, email tips@mcso.us, or reach out to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST or online at the NCMEC CyberTipLine.

Learn more about the case, review the timeline and view age-progressed images on our webpage dedicated to Kyron Horman.

Recent Body Recoveries In Our Rivers Are Tragic, Though Not Unusual (Photo) -05/05/25

We have received questions about the number of bodies recovered in the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, in Multnomah County, this spring. 

Since April 1, 2025, eight bodies have been recovered. Compared to April and May 2024, six bodies were recovered. The number is not unusual, though it is tragic.

The Medical Examiner continues to investigate and finalize the cause and manner of death. However, the majority of the eight bodies recovered this April and May are the result of drowning caused by suicide.

Additionally, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has no reason to believe there is any suspicious activity nor do we believe there is any connection between the bodies.

Several main factors contribute to these discoveries this time of year.

• Biology and increasing water temperatures: Initially, a body will sink due to its density. As decomposition progresses and gas is produced, the body becomes less dense and floats to the surface. Warmer water accelerates the natural decomposition process, which can cause bodies to rise to the surface more quickly. 

• Water currents: The speed, flow, path and underwater obstructions (logs, rocks and sediment) of the river can influence decomposition rates and locations where bodies are found.

• Increased water activity: As the weather improves, more people spend time on the rivers in boats or at the rivers’ banks, such as to fish, paddle or boat. The increased presence of people leads to a higher likelihood of previously undiscovered remains being seen and reported.

When a body is recovered in the river, the Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit transfers the body to the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Medical Examiner verifies the body’s identity and determines how the person died.

Mental health and suicide impact many people in our community every day.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you’re not alone. Help is available by calling our texting 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline. 

In-Custody Death Investigation (Photo) -05/01/25

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an adult in custody at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail.

On May 1, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., an adult in custody was discovered unresponsive in their bunk at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail. Life-saving measures were administered by corrections deputies and corrections health personnel. Paramedics subsequently arrived and continued advanced medical intervention. Despite these efforts, the adult in custody was pronounced deceased by the responding paramedics.

In accordance with standard protocol, the East County Major Crimes Team was activated to initiate a death investigation. The death investigation is being completed in conjunction with the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death.

The deceased adult in custody has been identified as 49-year-old Sharon Lee Watkins. She was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on April 28, 2025.

No further comment will made at this time.

The East County Major Crimes Team includes detectives from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit, Port of Portland Police Department, Gresham Police Department and Oregon State Police.

TriMet Riders, Community Respond Positively To Public Safety Mission (Photo) -04/28/25

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Transit Police Unit teamed up with several key partners on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, to conduct a public safety mission focused on the TriMet system in Northeast Portland. The collaborative effort aimed to address criminal activity and boost safety for riders and operators on MAX trains and buses and at transit stations.

The MCSO Transit Police Unit deputies worked alongside officers from the Port of Portland Police Department and the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice Adult Services Division, as well as TriMet security personnel. This unified approach allowed for a concentrated effort to address issues along the transit lines, creating a more visible and effective public safety presence across the transit system, from the platforms and trains to the connecting bus routes.

To ensure deputies and officers could remain focused on their field duties, MCSO Corrections Division personnel played a vital role by establishing a temporary booking facility. This strategic move streamlined the booking process, maximizing the time deputies and officers could spend actively patrolling and addressing public safety concerns on the transit lines during the mission.

The mission yielded significant results, demonstrating the impact of this collaborative strategy:

• 40+ warnings were issued for various violations.
• 22 arrests were made.
• 18 felony warrants were cleared.
• 7 misdemeanor warrants were cleared.
• 5 individuals were issued exclusions from the TriMet system.

During the mission, many TriMet riders, community members and business owners offered positive feedback and appreciation.

"This mission's success was a testament to the relentless efforts of front-line deputies and officers collaborating closely with our agency partners," said MCSO Captain Matt Jordan. "I value and appreciate the resources provided by each of these agencies and anticipate future collaborative missions aimed at enhancing the safety of our transit system.”

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Transit Police Unit remains committed to working with its partners to ensure a safe and secure transit environment for everyone in the community.

MCSO Disrupts Stolen Motorcycle Operation, Addresses Neighborhood Concerns (Photo) -04/25/25

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) conducted a search warrant in Troutdale, resulting in the recovery of stolen motorcycles, a firearm and prohibited weapons, and the arrest of a suspect.

The investigation began on April 8, 2025, when a MCSO deputy, currently assigned as the City of Troutdale Resource Deputy, conducted a traffic stop on Troutdale Road. The Harley Davidson motorcycle he stopped was not displaying a license plate. The deputy was unable to locate a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the motorcycle. Suspecting the motorcycle was stolen, the deputy seized the bike for a VIN inspection. The rider was connected to a home located in the 500 block of SE 18th St. in Troutdale. The deputy recognized the address as a location where he had previously arrested 42-year-old Michael G. Falk and had observed an unusually high number of motorcycles on the residential property.

The deputy collaborated with the Portland Police Bureau Auto Theft Task Force, who conducted a VIN inspection of the motorcycle and confirmed it had been reported stolen. Based on this finding, the deputy obtained a search warrant for Falk’s property, which was conducted on April 17, 2025.

During the search of the property, among around 15 motorcycles and motorcycle parts, law enforcement officials discovered two stolen motorcycles, two additional motorcycles with their VINs intentionally removed, a firearm and other prohibited weapons.

Michael Falk, who resides at the location with his elderly father, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. The following charges were directly presented to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office: two counts of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, two counts of Trafficking in Vehicles with Altered VINs, two counts of Felon in Possession of Prohibited weapons and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Today, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted Falk on all charges.

The investigation also revealed concerning information regarding the welfare of Mr. Falk’s father. The deputy contacted Adult Protective Services to help the father in seeking the eviction of Mr. Falk from the property.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges the significant impact this situation has had on the neighborhood. During the search warrant, neighbors expressed their relief and appreciation for law enforcement intervention. The City of Troutdale Code Enforcement also responded to the scene and will be addressing code violations at the residence.

MCSO Captain Rob Stewart, City of Troutdale Chief of Police, commended the deputy for his diligent work, stating, "This deputy’s keen observation, thorough investigation and commitment to addressing both criminal activity and neighborhood livability issues are exemplary. This case showcases the dedication of our deputies to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community."

Community policing is essential to strengthening trust, collaboration and long-term solutions to public safety concerns. Community Resource Deputies work closely with city leaders, neighborhood associations, businessowners and residents to increase participation in crime reduction efforts and improve coordination to resolve public safety challenges. By building lasting relationships and encouraging proactive problem-solving, our Community Resource Deputies help create safer, more connected communities.

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Achieves Accreditation In Law Enforcement And Corrections (Photo) -04/15/25

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is proud to announce it has officially received accreditation in both law enforcement and corrections, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s commitment to public safety, accountability and professional excellence.

Corrections Accreditation

MCSO’s Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) and Inverness Jail (MCIJ) have successfully completed the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association (OSSA) Jail Accreditation process, a rigorous evaluation that ensures compliance with industry best practices and legal standards.

The over 300 best-practice measurements, previously known as the Oregon Jail Standards, transitioned to OSSA’s Jail Accreditation in 2024. Facilities are required to meet:

• 100% compliance with statutory standards,
• 90% compliance with Tier 1 standards, and
• 80% compliance with Tier 2 standards.

MCSO was one of the first agencies to complete the accreditation process. The accreditation process started in the fall of 2023, for MCDC, and in the fall of 2024, for MCIJ. Both MCIJ and MCDC passed the evaluation process and received accreditation.

Accreditation takes place every two years and is designed to raise the bar by improving management, reducing liability and creating consistency in the operation of all county jails in Oregon.

Law Enforcement Accreditation

In September 2024, MCSO earned law enforcement accreditation from the Northwest Accreditation Alliance, meeting more than one hundred standards that require ongoing documentation, compliance monitoring and a comprehensive on-site evaluation.

This achievement follows the requirements of Oregon House Bill 2162, which mandates that all law enforcement agencies with 100 or more sworn officers obtain accreditation by July 1, 2025. MCSO proactively pursued this designation ahead of schedule, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability and the highest service standards.

Commitment to Excellence

Accreditation is more than an award—it represents a commitment to continuous improvement. The process includes:

• Policy and Procedure Evaluation – Ensuring policies align with best practices and legal standards.
• Training & Professional Development – Enhancing staff competency through ongoing education.
• Accountability & Transparency – Strengthening public trust through oversight and ethical practices.
• Operational Efficiency – Optimizing resources for better service delivery.

Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell expressed pride in the agency’s achievement:

“Receiving accreditation is a testament to MCSO’s dedication to professionalism, integrity, and service. This accomplishment reflects the hard work of our team and our unwavering commitment to the people of Multnomah County.”

As part of maintaining accreditation, MCSO will undergo ongoing evaluations to ensure compliance with evolving standards. The agency remains dedicated to delivering the highest level of law enforcement and corrections services to the community.