DETECTIVES SEEKING TIPS AFTER BODY FOUND IN RURAL AREA

Washington Co. Sheriff's Office

On Sunday, October 17, 2021, just before 6 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a body found in the area of NW Sellers Rd. and NW Linklater Rd., about five miles north of Banks.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and found evidence leading them to believe the death occurred at least two weeks prior and was suspicious. Initially, detectives were not able to identify the person. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on Monday morning, and those results are not being released while the investigation continues. 

On Wednesday, the Oregon State Crime Lab identified the deceased as 42-year-old Jessica Elizabeth Hart, and the family was notified the same day.

Hart was White, about 5’8” tall, and weighed about 210 pounds. Hart was wearing a camouflage hat, sweater, and stretch pants as well as black Sketchers tennis shoes. Hart had been driving a black 2006 Saab 93 soft-top convertible which was recently spray painted white. Detectives have recovered the vehicle.

Detectives are looking for anyone who has information about Hart’s death, saw that vehicle, or had contact with Hart in the past several months. If you have information to share, please call the Sheriff’s Office 24/7 at 503-846-2700.

Members of the Violent Crimes Unit are called upon to investigate serious violent crimes such as homicides, suspicious deaths, adult sexual assaults, kidnappings, robberies, extortion, serious assaults, elder abuse, and missing persons.

Both the Remote Operated Vehicle Unit and the Search and Rescue Team assisted at the scene.

The WCSO Search and Rescue Team (SAR) is made up of teens and young adults (ages 14 to 21) who serve as the primary ground search and rescue team for Washington County. Led by experienced and highly trained Sheriff's Office staff, our Search and Rescue members are often actively involved in missions involving lost people, down aircraft, and looking for evidence in major crimes.

The Remotely Operated Vehicle Team (ROVT) supports law enforcement operations throughout the county using robotics, unmanned aircraft (drones), and other cutting-edge technology. Team members often respond to incidents involving the Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT) or even regular patrol operations. ROVT is leading the way in drone usage for law enforcement agencies, proving the technology can be useful in many circumstances.

Detectives are not releasing any further information about the case at this time.