Discovery in Mount Hood National Forest
Authorities in Clackamas County are investigating a homicide after human remains were discovered on September 1 along a remote forest road southeast of Estacada. Deputies from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to Forest Service Road 45, near South Hillockburn Road in the Mount Hood National Forest, after a caller reported finding what appeared to be remains.
Investigators secured the scene and launched a death investigation. Following an autopsy, the remains were identified as Jennifer Ruth Stuart, 38. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.
Victim Background
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Stuart was known to spend time in the Oregon City area. Detectives are now working to piece together her final weeks.
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“Anyone who may have known Jennifer Stewart … is known to be around the Oregon City area,” said CCSO spokesperson Brian McCall. “If there’s anybody who may have had contact with Jennifer in the last 30 days or so — specifically the month of August — that’s the window we’re looking at.”
Officials emphasized that information about Stuart’s movements, relationships, or recent interactions could be crucial in solving the case.
Call for Leads
Detectives are urging anyone who was in contact with Stuart before September 1 to reach out to the Sheriff’s Office. They are also asking for assistance from people who live near South Hillockburn Road or who may have had trail cameras in the surrounding area.
Residents are encouraged to check their footage for anything suspicious, whether unusual vehicles, people, or activity that may have occurred around the time of Stuart’s death.
“Somebody has more information,” McCall said. “Our detectives are following up as many leads as they can, and they’re actively investigating the case. We’re hoping that information from the public will come in that could help connect some of those dots and really help solve this case.”
Community Concerns
The discovery of Stuart’s remains has unsettled residents in and around Estacada, a community familiar with outdoor recreation but unaccustomed to violent crimes in its wooded areas. Forest Service Road 45, like many logging roads in the Mount Hood National Forest, is remote, with limited traffic and few permanent residences.
Authorities have not released details about how Stuart was killed, citing the active investigation. However, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that detectives are treating the case as a homicide from the outset.
How the Public Can Help
Deputies are asking for any information, no matter how small it may seem. Witnesses or residents with knowledge of Stuart’s recent activities, sightings, or potential associates are encouraged to come forward. Even seemingly minor details, investigators said, could help build a timeline and identify suspects.
Those with information are urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office tip line. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Oregon.
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives continue to pursue multiple leads, interview potential witnesses, and gather forensic evidence from the scene. Investigators are also reviewing missing persons reports, prior contacts with law enforcement, and surveillance footage from nearby areas.
Authorities said more information will be released as the case develops but emphasized that public cooperation could play a decisive role.
A Plea for Justice
For now, the focus remains on identifying who killed Jennifer Ruth Stuart and why. The Sheriff’s Office has pledged to dedicate resources until answers are found.
“This is still very much an active case,” McCall said. “We know someone out there has information that can help. Our goal is to bring justice for Jennifer and closure for her loved ones.”
