Two Found Dead on Oregon Coast in Separate Incidents, Including Happy Valley Murder Suspect

Published 10/21/2026 at 6:55 p.m. - Updated 10/22 at 4:30 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Astoria, Oregon) – UPDATES: MORE ON AUTHORITIES APPROACH TO MOTEL --- Two deaths happened over the last 24 hours in separate cases on the north Oregon coast. One included a woman found dead in a jail cell in Clatsop County and the other was the prime suspect in a murder case in Clackamas County. (Photo Clackamas County Sheriff's Office)

A 61-year-old Wheeler woman died while in custody at the Clatsop County Jail in Warrenton on Tuesday morning, according to the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office.

“McEvoy had turned herself in at the jail the previous evening to serve a five-day sentence,” said the CCSO. “She was evaluated by medical staff before being housed at the facility.”

Jail staff immediately began providing medical aid, assisted by Medix Ambulance and the Warrenton Fire Department, but McEvoy later died from what has been described as an undetermined medical condition.

“An autopsy was performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office on October 20, with final results still pending,” the CCSO said.

The investigation is being handled by Clatsop County's interagency Major Crimes Unit and is being led by Lt. Chris Wilbur of the Cannon Beach Police Department.

The suspect in a triple homicide investigation in Happy Valley was also found dead on the north Oregon coast, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities announced Wednesday that 45-year-old Edward Villa, identified as the suspect in the case, was located deceased at a motel in Warrenton. Regional media have confirmed that two adults and one teenager were killed, while no names have been released as yet.

"During the investigation, detectives developed information indicating the suspect may have traveled to the Warrenton, Oregon, area," said Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. "On Wednesday, investigators responded to a motel in Hammond, Oregon, where the suspect was found deceased."

LATEST: Authorities arrived in Hammond, Oregon, after Edward Jonathan Villa (45), the suspect in a Clackamas County triple homicide, was located in a motel.

The CCSO said U.S. Marshall’s team surrounded the location and attempted to peacefully take the suspect into custody. Commands were given and tactical resources deployed to keep the community and law enforcement safe.

Ultimately, Villa took his own life.

The Clatsop County Street Crimes Unit, Warrenton Police, and investigators from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office processed the scene.

“All law enforcement involved want to thank the local businesses and community for their assistance and patience during the operation,” CCSO. “We would also like to thank Warrenton Fire Department and Medix Ambulance for their support in the operation.”

Villa was also an employee of the North Clackamas School District since 2007.

Officials said the three people found inside a home in the 13000 block of Southeast Highpointe Street died from gunshot wounds and that their deaths have been ruled homicides.

Detectives with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, the Clackamas County Medical Examiner's Office, and representatives from the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office were involved in the investigation, including follow-up efforts in Warrenton.

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