A Grim Discovery in Mount Hood National Forest
Oregon authorities have solved a chilling mystery that began with the discovery of human remains deep in the Mount Hood National Forest earlier this fall. On September 1, 2025, a passerby reported finding a body on Forest Service Road 45 near South Hillock Road. What initially appeared to be another tragic missing person case soon turned into a homicide investigation that would lead detectives to a small Oregon town — and a suspect with a dark connection to the victim.
After an autopsy, investigators identified the victim as 38-year-old Jennifer Ruth Stuart, confirming that her death was the result of homicide. Stuart, who was believed to be experiencing homelessness, was known around Oregon City’s downtown area. Locals were stunned that her remains were found miles away in a remote forested area.
For weeks, police had little to go on. The crime scene yielded no immediate suspects, only a set of distinct truck tire tracks that became the investigation’s most critical clue.
Also Read
The Breakthrough: A Suspicious Chevrolet Avalanche
The investigation took a major turn when detectives located a red and gray 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche believed to be connected to the case. Although authorities have not revealed the exact location where the truck was found, they confirmed it played a key role in solving the homicide.
According to police, the vehicle was tied directly to 56-year-old William Glen Blake, who was identified as Stuart’s boyfriend. After gathering sufficient evidence, detectives from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office arrested Blake on multiple charges, including murder, second-degree abuse of a corpse, unlawful use of a weapon, and tampering with evidence.
Investigators believe the killing occurred after a heated argument at Blake’s Oregon City home. The discovery of the truck was the breakthrough that finally linked Blake to the crime scene in Mount Hood National Forest.
A Family Entangled in the Crime
In a disturbing twist, the investigation also revealed that Blake’s 15-year-old son allegedly helped dispose of Stuart’s remains. The teenager was taken into custody and charged with second-degree abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.
Blake’s 17-year-old son was also questioned by detectives but, according to authorities, has not been charged at this time. Investigators have not released additional details about the sons’ involvement or whether they acted under duress.
The inclusion of minors in the case has amplified public concern, raising questions about the environment inside the Blake household and how a domestic dispute spiraled into a family tragedy.
A Community Shaken
The case has deeply unsettled residents of Oregon City and surrounding areas. Stuart was known among local outreach groups for her friendly demeanor and her struggles with unstable housing. Community members expressed heartbreak over her death, emphasizing how vulnerable populations often face disproportionate risks of violence.
“This is just devastating,” one Oregon City resident told reporters. “Jennifer was always polite and soft-spoken. To think she died this way — and that her body was left in the woods — it’s horrifying.”
Law enforcement officials have also commented on the emotional impact of the case. “This is one of those investigations that reminds us of the human cost behind every file,” said a Clackamas County detective involved in the case. “Jennifer Stuart deserves justice, and our team was determined to find it for her.”
The Road to Justice
Authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the killing but indicated that an argument between Stuart and Blake at his residence escalated fatally. Detectives believe Blake used the Chevrolet Avalanche to transport Stuart’s body from Oregon City to the Mount Hood National Forest, where he attempted to conceal the crime.
Police say Blake acted deliberately to cover his tracks, including attempts to clean the vehicle and destroy potential evidence. Despite his efforts, investigators recovered trace materials inside the truck that matched forensic evidence from the forest crime scene.
Blake was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center, where he remains in custody awaiting trial. Prosecutors from the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office are expected to pursue the case as a first-degree murder, citing evidence of premeditation.
A Broader Pattern of Violence
The killing has reignited local conversations about domestic violence and the risks faced by women in unstable relationships. Advocates have urged Oregon lawmakers to increase resources for early intervention and support programs for victims.
“This tragedy underscores how domestic disputes can escalate into fatal outcomes,” said one representative from a Portland-based women’s shelter. “We need more proactive outreach and stronger community safety networks.”
The Oregon City Police Department has also encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity or signs of abuse among neighbors or acquaintances, stressing that early reporting can prevent similar tragedies.
Moving Forward
As the case proceeds through the courts, police continue to piece together the timeline of events leading to Stuart’s death. For many in Oregon City, her story serves as a grim reminder of how quickly violence can erupt behind closed doors — and how crucial persistence and community vigilance are in solving such crimes.
While justice for Jennifer Stuart cannot undo the pain of her loss, investigators hope the arrest brings some measure of closure to those who knew her. The case also highlights the dedication of Oregon law enforcement officers, whose painstaking work — from tracing tire tracks to identifying the crucial vehicle — transformed a cold trail into a case solved.
