The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as Joanna K. Speaks, 32, of Oregon
A homicide case out of Clark County has been transferred to the jurisdiction of the Portland Police Bureau.
On April 8, 2023, the Ridgefield Police Department responded to the 8000 block of South 5th Street in Ridgefield, Washington on a report of a death. At the request of Ridgefield Police, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU), assisted by the Vancouver Police Major Crimes Unit, responded to investigate. The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as Joanna K. Speaks, 32, of Oregon.
Based on information developed in that investigation, there is reason to believe that the homicide happened in Portland. No arrests have been made.
This is an active homicide investigation, and the Portland Police Bureau is asking for information from the public. If anyone has information about this case, please contact Detective Jeff Pontius at Jeffery.Pontius@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-0433, or Detective Steve Gandy at Stephen.Gandy@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-0449 and reference case number 23-804445.
This homicide brings the total number of homicides in Portland this year to 68.
Previously released information from Clark County Sheriff’s office is available here: https://flashalert.net/id/ClarkSheriff/162771
Information provided by Portland Police Bureau.
Also read:
- Opinion: Washington is bleeding taxpayers and now a State Representative wants to make it worse
Mark Harmsworth argues that a proposed statewide payroll tax would worsen Washington’s ongoing loss of jobs, businesses, and economic competitiveness. - Theater students overcome challenges for the love of their art at River HomeLink
River HomeLink theater students overcome an atypical schedule and lack of a stage as they prepare Descendants: The Musical for performances at Prairie High School. - Tix for Tots hosting original Nativity performanceA free Nativity performance and community event hosted by Tix for Tots will take place Dec. 20 in Battle Ground.
- Opinion: Simultaneous left turnsDoug Dahl explains how Washington law directs drivers to make simultaneous left turns by passing to the left of each other in an intersection.
- Opinion: WEA secret meeting about opposing the initiatives gets leakedAn opinion from Let’s Go Washington criticizes a leaked Washington Education Association meeting about opposing LGW’s initiatives on girls’ sports and school transparency.
- WA Gov. Bob Ferguson says his budget will rely on cuts, not taxes, to balanceGov. Bob Ferguson plans to balance Washington’s budget through spending cuts, rejecting sales and property tax increases amid a multi-billion dollar shortfall.
- City of Battle Ground implements electronic plan reviewThe City of Battle Ground launches eReview, an electronic plan review platform that streamlines permit submissions and improves transparency and efficiency starting December 1, 2025.
