Logan Melchert has been charged with Arson and Unlawful Disposal of Human Remains

Additional charges have been issued for a suspect in the case involving human remains found last week in a burned vehicle in Hazel Dell. 

On Saturday (Aug. 26), detectives with Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Major Crimes Unit (MCU) booked Logan Melchert for additional charges of Arson in the Second Degree and Unlawful Disposal of Human Remains related to this investigation.  Melchert was already in the Clark County Jail after being arrested by CCSO deputies on Aug. 21 for unrelated arrest warrants.

The investigation thus far has shown that Melchert is responsible for igniting a Kia Soul on fire which contained human remains.  The Kia Soul is owned by the estate of Melchert’s deceased father.

The events leading up to the arson are still under investigation including the circumstances regarding the death of the person located in the burnt vehicle.  

Identification of the human remains is still being conducted by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.

To protect the integrity of the active investigation, additional details are not currently available for release to the public.

On Aug. 21, deputies with the CCSO were conducting a follow-up investigation related to a missing person case where an adult male had been reported as missing for several weeks. Deputies went to the last known residence of the missing person in the area of NW Sluman Rd. and NW Overlook Drive in Hazel Dell. 

While at the residence, a vehicle that appeared to have recently been involved in a vehicle fire was seen on the property. Deputies contacted the MCU based on their observations while on-scene, and a search warrant was later obtained for the property.

While searching the property, detectives identified what appeared to be human remains inside the burned vehicle. The property was secured overnight, and arrangements were made for additional investigative resources to assist with scene processing.

On Aug. 22, MCU detectives were able to process the vehicle and associated residence with assistance from the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team, a Special Agent/Certified Fire Investigator from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Portland Field Office, fire personnel from Clark County Fire District 6, and investigators from the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. 

Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.