CCSO seeks public aid in 1970s serial killer-linked investigation

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The Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is seeking public assistance in gathering information related to a series of disappearances and homicides potentially connected to 1970s serial killer Warren Forrest.

CCSO Sheriff John Horch reestablished an active cold case investigation team in 2024 to investigate further crimes potentially committed by Forrest, a CCSO news release stated.

The CCSO Cold Case Team is currently investigating the murder of Carol Valenzuela, whose remains were discovered alongside those of Martha Morrison. The remains were found in eastern Clark County, within Dole Valley woodlands. Both women disappeared during an 11-week period between Forrest’s murder of Krista Blake and his attempted murder of a Lacamas Lake woman, the news release stated.

Investigators are also attempting to locate the remains of Jamie Grissim and Diane Gilchrist, whose disappearances remain unsolved. Grissim’s personal identification was recovered in the same area where Morrison and Valenzuela’s remains were found, the news release stated.

Forrest, 75, is currently serving two life sentences for the 1974 murders of Blake and Morrison. Forrest is suspected in the death, disappearances and assaults of seven other Clark County women and girls between 1971 and 1974, the news release stated.

Forrest was apprehended in 1974 after kidnapping, raping and attempting to murder a woman near Lacamas Lake. She survived the attack and helped lead CCSO investigators to Forrest, the release stated. At the time, Forrest was employed by Clark County Parks Department and lived in Battle Ground with his family.

Information about these cases may be reported to the CCSO Cold Case Team via the 564-397-2036 tip line.