Clackamas County John Doe
Unidentified: A series
This article contains graphic content that may be unsuitable for some readers. Discretion is advised.
All the information I have sourced in this article is cited below. Anything I’ve researched has been accumulated from various websites and archives for educational purposes only. My research is thorough and honest. I appreciate any comments providing further clarity and conciseness.
Missing Persons ID 1055 | The Clackamas County John Doe, also known as Estacada John Doe
The morning of March 24, 2005, began like any other for an Estacada tree farmer as they began to spray their estate with pesticides. Although the lush terrain had been cleared just two years before, the land was once again becoming wild. So, it wasn’t until our unnamed tree farmer was knee-deep in the brush that they discovered articles of ragged, dirt-stained men’s clothing. Next, he’d uncover the skeletal remains of a homicide victim.
Nearly 17 years later the remains have only ever gotten the name — Clackamas County John Doe. Without a suspect or cause of death released, the hopes of giving the victim an identity may seem distant.
However, this victim had a family, one that could potentially still be alive. Maybe they’re even in the area, hoping their lost loved one finally reconnects with them. On the chance that there could have been issues at home, it is still likely that they had friends or partners, at some point. Someone had to have known this victim, if only briefly.
Sharing this information, continuing to spread the photos and location, will give this victim even more of a chance of being identified.
So, here is what we know.
INITIAL REPORTING |
When the partial skeletal remains of the 6'5" man were first discovered, authorities revealed that they thought the body had been there for years and may have even been buried. Without much else, police offered images of John Doe’s clothing, jewelry, and other accessories, as well as the location where the remains were found.
The precise location has been listed as: Clear Creek area — 13.6 miles from the border of Mount Hood National Park. With the lot being a private estate, it is reasonable that the public wouldn’t be given an exact location.
Items recovered were as follows:
- Jeans; five pockets with a zipper
- Belt with etched design
- Dark blue jacket with ribbed sides, faux fur-trimmed collar
- Necklace 1: silver cross
- Necklace 2: Clear stone pendant
Both necklaces were found in one of the victim’s pockets.
It is important to note that investigators have never released the victim’s cause of death. Now, whether this is because it was an impossible feat to uncover that cause or they wish to keep key details of the homicide under wraps, we don’t know. Still, they have stated this is a homicide and not a suicide.
UPDATES |
Although fingerprints were not recovered, the victim’s DNA was submitted to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and dental records were made from the teeth. Upon further inspection by the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office, the victim was found to have evidence of bone spurs, or osteophytes lipping, involving several fingers.
All of these aspects may seem minut now, but as recent developments in other John and Jane Doe cases have shown, science makes incredible strides — we just need to have patience.
CLOSING STATEMENT |
It is our duty as members of the true crime community to provide a space for John and Jane Doe cases. Giving a voice to the missing an unidentified is one of the most beneficial things we can do for cases like this. Keeping their names in the light, sharing their stories regardless of the amount of content provided, sends the message to investigators that these people are not forgotten — that their cases are just as important and as relevant as any other.
CONTACT INFORMATION |
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line: 503–723–4949
Personal case suggestions inbox: https://forms.gle/aD8RYihky4eRZTdA9.
If you wouldn’t mind sharing this article (and my other missing persons cases), I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to spread this important information.
CITATIONS |
“John Doe Estacada.” Missing NPF, https://missingnpf.com/listing/john-doe-estacada/.
“Clackamas County John Doe (2005).” Unidentified Wiki, https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Clackamas_County_John_Doe_(2005).
“1438UMOR — Unidentified Male.” The Doe Network, https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/1438umor.html.
