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Portland police investigate second remains discovery during camp cleanup
A cleanup crew found human remains near West Burnside Street and Interstate 405 on Monday. Police are examining whether the discovery is connected to remains found near the waterfront last week.
Portland police are investigating a second discovery of human remains made during a homeless-camp cleanup, this time near West Burnside Street and Interstate 405.
Officers were called to the area at about 12:40 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, after a crew working for the city contractor Rapid Response Bio-Clean found the remains. The Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Unit responded.
Police said initial observations suggest the discovery may be connected to remains found the previous week near Southwest Harvey Milk Street and Southwest Naito Parkway, about a mile away. Detectives believe the case involves one deceased person, but are waiting for the State Medical Examiner’s Office to complete an examination before confirming that.
The contractor first arrived near the waterfront on Oct. 12 to clean up a camp. The crew found remains after returning the following morning to remove additional items that had appeared overnight, police spokesperson Mike Benner said.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding both discoveries. Police have not said what was found at either location, and the investigation remains in its early stages.
Anyone with information can contact homicide detectives at homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case No. 26-304859.