Meshay Melendez and her daughter Layla Stewart have been missing for more than a week

The bodies of two people located in a rural area near Washougal are believed to be those of Meshay Melendez and her daughter Layla Stewart, according to law enforcement officials. Melendez and Stewart have been missing since March 12.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suspicious circumstance call of SE Sunset View Road in Washougal on Wednesday morning. A passerby reported that there appeared to be two “life-sized mannequins” just off the roadway down an embankment in some thick brush.

A deputy responded and discovered two deceased persons.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded and is investigating, according to a release from the sheriff’s office. 

Vancouver Police detectives were contacted. Based on “unique identifying genetic marks,” Vancouver Police reported that the bodies are believed to be the 27-year-old Melendez and the 7-year-old Stewart. Family members have been notified.

Cause and manner of death are pending the report from the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Earlier in the week, Vancouver Police identified Kirkland C. Warren as a person of interest in the disappearance of Melendez and Stewart. Warren was arrested on March 19 and booked on Tampering with a Witness, Violation of DV Orders (Meshay Melendez was listed as the protected person), Assault IV-DV, Drive-By Shooting, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm II.

Vancouver Police were initially asked to perform a welfare check on March 18 at the Springfield Meadows apartments (4317 NE 66th Ave.) after family members said they had not heard from Melendez since March 11. A friend told them that Melendez and Stewart had not been home for days and their dog was inside the apartment.

Investigators learned that Melendez, Stewart, and Warren had stayed at the home of an acquaintance on March 11. Warren is described by police as an ex-boyfriend of Melendez. The three were seen leaving in a burgundy Dodge Charger at approximately 6 a.m. March 12.  

A week later, Meshay’s mother located Meshay’s vehicle, a 2000 Chrysler 200, in the 7800 block of NE Loowit Loop. Vancouver Police seized the vehicle for a search warrant.

Vancouver Police said the investigation is continuing.