UPDATE: PPD awaits autopsy
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – On May 15, Pendleton Police Department detectives, assisted by the Oregon State Police crime lab, arson unit, and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office experts, removed the remains of a deceased individual from the burned residence at 628 S. Main St.
An autopsy of the individual will be conducted Wednesday in Portland to assist in confirming the cause of death and the identity of the individual. Once that is obtained, the process of notifying next of kin will begin.
“As of now, there are still questions to be answered that only can be confirmed through the State of Oregon Medical Examiner’s Office,” Chief Charles Byram wrote in a news release. “More information will be released when it is appropriate.”
The body was found after PPD received a tip. The house, which was vacant according to reports, caught on fire a week ago on May 9. Fire Chief Jim Critchley said the fire started on the main level and was on the second floor when firefighters were notified.
