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@WCSOOregon
In partnership with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, the Washington County Sheriff's Office asks for the public's help with the investigation into Jessica Hart's death.
Investigators learned one of Hart's friends also died in California around the same time. On October 7, 2021, the Chico (California) Police Department found 32-year-old Syah Redbird had shot and killed herself after driving there from Oregon. Redbird's death was ruled a suicide. Redbird, who stayed at various addresses around the Portland metro area, was driving a white 1994 Ford Ranger. The Chico Police Department is not releasing additional information about their case at this time.
Detectives from both agencies began working together after connecting the cases. The investigation showed Hart and Redbird spent considerable time together in Oregon in the days and weeks before their deaths. Family and friends of Hart and Redbird told detectives that both identified as transgender women.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers rewards of up to $2,500 cash for information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime, and tipsters can remain anonymous.
Anyone wishing to submit a secure and anonymous tip regarding any unsolved felony crime should visit http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com/ or visit the App Store and download P3 Tips for your smartphone or tablet.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon is funded 100% by community donations. To support Crime Stoppers with a donation, or to view other unsolved cases, please visit http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com/.
If you wish to speak directly with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, you may call 503-846-2700; however, please note that you must report your tip to Crime Stoppers to be eligible for any reward.
Photo of Jessica Hart courtesy of Willamette Week.
ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW
Detectives Seeking Tips After Body Found in Rural Area
October 22, 2021
On Sunday, October 17, 2021, just before 6 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a body found in the area of NW Sellers Rd. and NW Linklater Rd., about five miles north of Banks.
Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and found evidence leading them to believe the death occurred at least two weeks prior and was suspicious. Initially, detectives were not able to identify the person. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on Monday morning, and those results are not being released while the investigation continues.
On Wednesday, the Oregon State Crime Lab identified the deceased as 42-year-old Jessica Elizabeth Hart, and the family was notified the same day.
Hart was White, about 5’8” tall, and weighed about 210 pounds. Hart was wearing a camouflage hat, sweater, and stretch pants as well as black Sketchers tennis shoes. Hart had been driving a black 2006 Saab 93 soft-top convertible which was recently spray painted white. Detectives have recovered the vehicle.
Detectives are looking for anyone who has information about Hart’s death, saw that vehicle, or had contact with Hart in the past several months. If you have information to share, please call the Sheriff’s Office 24/7 at 503-846-2700.
Members of the Violent Crimes Unit are called upon to investigate serious violent crimes such as homicides, suspicious deaths, adult sexual assaults, kidnappings, robberies, extortion, serious assaults, elder abuse, and missing persons.
Both the Remote Operated Vehicle Unit and the Search and Rescue Team assisted at the scene.
The WCSO Search and Rescue Team (SAR) is made up of teens and young adults (ages 14 to 21) who serve as the primary ground search and rescue team for Washington County. Led by experienced and highly trained Sheriff's Office staff, our Search and Rescue members are often actively involved in missions involving lost people, down aircraft, and looking for evidence in major crimes.
The Remotely Operated Vehicle Team (ROVT) supports law enforcement operations throughout the county using robotics, unmanned aircraft (drones), and other cutting-edge technology. Team members often respond to incidents involving the Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT) or even regular patrol operations. ROVT is leading the way in drone usage for law enforcement agencies, proving the technology can be useful in many circumstances.
Detectives are not releasing any further information about the case at this time.