Local
Portland police probe whether two cleanup-site remains discoveries involve one person
Human remains were found Oct. 19 near West Burnside Street and Interstate 405, six days after a cleanup crew made another discovery near Harvey Milk Street and Naito Parkway. Police say the cases may be connected, but the medical examiner has not confirmed whether they involve one person.
Portland police are investigating whether human remains found at two downtown encampment cleanup sites this month came from the same person.
A contracted cleanup crew found remains around 12:40 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, near West Burnside Street and Interstate 405, police said. Homicide detectives responded to the scene.
Investigators believe the discovery may be connected to remains found Oct. 13 near Harvey Milk Street and Naito Parkway. Police said they currently believe the investigation involves one deceased person, but that has not been confirmed. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting a full examination.
In the earlier case, officers responded at about 9:15 a.m. after a cleanup crew reported finding what it believed were human remains. The medical examiner’s office and homicide detectives later confirmed they were human, police said.
Authorities have not released the person’s identity, the cause or manner of death, or how long the remains may have been at either location. The circumstances of both discoveries remain under investigation.
Anyone with information who has not spoken with police can contact detectives at homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov. Tips about the Oct. 19 discovery should reference case No. 26-304859; information about the Oct. 13 discovery should reference case No. 26-298767.