
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.
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