The Clark County Sheriff’s Office has asked the public for help as they investigate the death of an Oregon woman who was found in Ridgefield earlier this month.
Shortly before 6 p.m. on April 8, Ridgefield police and Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue personnel responded to a report of a deceased person at an abandoned property near the 8000 block of South Fifth Street in Ridgefield, a news release stated. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Vancouver Police Major Crimes Unit, were asked to investigate.
On April 18, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the person as 32-year-old Joanna Speaks of Oregon, an update from law enforcement stated. There are indications the body was moved to the location and the incident is being investigated as a homicide.
The medical examiner determined Speaks died from “blunt head and neck injuries.”
Anyone who may have seen suspicious people or vehicles at or near 8004 S. Fifth St. in Ridgefield during the last few weeks is asked to contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit tip line at 564-397-2847.
Those who had recent contact with Speaks or have information about where she was staying or who she associated with are also asked to contact detectives.
