Two missing La Grande individuals found dead
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Friday, November 21st, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from La Grande Police) While following up on a case, La Grande Police Department personnel found the remains of the two individuals who were recently reported missing out of La Grande.
On Friday afternoon, just after 11:30 a.m., the LGPD was in a large field in northeast La Grande when personnel found Dale Burke, 10-03-1994, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Burke was reported missing on October 27.
LGPD immediately requested additional law enforcement to the scene so an investigation could begin.
Approximately 10 minutes later, and in a separate part of the field, LGPD found Drake Hill, 4-24-2008, who was reported missing on November 3. Hill was also dead from an apparent self-inflicted wound.
Although the locations of the individuals were within approximately 100 yards of each other, initial investigation shows they are isolated incidents and appear not to be related.
Per death investigation protocol, the Major Crimes Team was activated to bring in more personnel. This is a unified investigation between the law enforcement agencies. The team is comprised of the LGPD, UCSO, Oregon State Police, and the Union County District Attorney’s Office.
There was also a department chaplain and a Victim’s Advocate called to the scene to assist with next-of-kin notifications.
Investigators are collecting drone footage and security camera footage in the area.
This is an ongoing investigation.
