News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Sheriff's Office investigators determine suicide in Rhododendron death

Posted: Sept. 1, 2009, 5:37 p.m.

Please reference Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Case #09-26901

UPDATE: The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office reports that the Rhododendron death investigation is complete. The 53-year-old man discovered deceased at his campsite is considered to have committed suicide.

This has been described as a challenging investigation -- requiring the continued quality forensic work of both the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office and the Oregon State Crime Laboratory.

The investigators responded to the campsite where the deceased male was discovered. Investigators found that the deceased had a clearly visible wound to his head. The body was then transported to the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office for a forensic autopsy.

An Oregon State Medical Examiner, Dr. Larry Lewman, stated today the results of his autopsy: The deceased died as a result of gunshot wound.

Homicide & Violent Crimes Unit investigators located a commercial-grade blowgun at the campsite of the deceased. This blowgun was sent to the Oregon State Crime Laboratory for a forensic examination. As a result of this forensic examination, it was determined that this blowgun was the instrument the victim used to discharge the self-inflicted fatal round into his head.

This blowgun is described as being approximately 30 inches long and made of an aluminum-grade metal. This blowgun is not typically used to discharge ammunition. However, in this particular case, the victim was able to make use of this blowgun to administer the fatal self-inflicted round.

This victim is known to have resided outside the State of Oregon, and efforts to notify the family of this death are ongoing.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has a reputation for conducting thorough and complete death investigations. These methodical investigative efforts are time-consuming, yet essential in obtaining a successful investigative conclusion.

PREVIOUS NEWS RELEASES (starting Aug. 31, 2009):

On Monday, Aug. 31, 2009, at approximately 4:35 p.m., the Clackamas County Emergency Communications Center (C-COM) was alerted by an Oregon State Police trooper that a citizen had discovered a deceased male subject in an undeveloped campground approximately 50 yards from the south side of State Highway 26 in Rhododendron. This campsite is located just south of East John Lake road, which intersects with State Highway 26.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Homicide & Violent Crimes Unit investigators responded to the scene to begin canvassing the neighborhood and conduct interviews.

Even with its close proximity to the highway, this campsite is concealed from the roadway by heavy foliage. Upon inspection of the campsite, detectives also located an automobile and a makeshift shelter.

The Clackamas County Deputy Medical Examiner has also responded to the scene and recovered the body of the deceased male adult. The Deputy Medical Examiner is transporting the deceased to the Oregon State Medical Examiner's office for the anticipated forensic autopsy, scheduled for Tuesday. No positive identification of this subject has been established at this time.

At nightfall, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office stationed officers at the scene to protect and preserve evidence. Sheriff's Office investigators are expected to return to this location early Tuesday morning and begin processing this site for items of evidentiary value.

The deceased was transported from the scene Monday evening by a Clackamas County Deputy Medical Examiner to the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office in Clackamas.

The deceased was forensically examined during an autopsy performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office, Tuesday morning (Sept. 1). Dr. Larry Lewman, of the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office, states simply, "The deceased has died as a result of a gunshot wound."

HVCU investigators remain on scene in Rhododendron, and are continuing with efforts to process this complex scene. Lead investigators report evidence gleaned from the site has been delivered to the Oregon State Crime Laboratory for analysis.

Investigators conducting this ongoing death investigation report the deceased has been positively identified. However, the required family notifications have not yet been completed. Consequently, the name of this deceased male adult will not be released at this point in time.

It is expected Clackamas County Sheriff's Office investigators will remain on-scene in Rhododendron for the remainder of the day. These investigators will continue processing and collecting items of evidentiary value relevant to this death investigation. Residents in the area can also anticipate witnessing Sheriff's Office personnel returning to this protected scene on Wednesday (Sept. 2) to continue with their investigative efforts.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has a reputation for conducting thorough and complete death investigations. These methodical investigative efforts are time-consuming but essential in obtaining a successful investigative conclusion.

As soon as additional releasable information becomes available, all media will be advised promptly.

Please reference CCSO CASE # 09-26901

[END]

Jim Strovink, Detective
Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office