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Love Turned Tragic: Oregon Man Charged After Partner Found Dead in Rural Roadside Mystery

An Oregon man is facing serious charges after police found his partner’s body in a car on the side of a rural road. The discovery was made on December 13 in Sherwood, Oregon, when Washington County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive woman.

The woman, 64-year-old Mary McDowell, was found dead in the car. Her partner, 38-year-old Jose Lucas Morfin Jr., was at the scene and was arrested by deputies. A week later, on December 20, Morfin was officially charged with manslaughter, assault, abuse of a corpse, and weapons violations. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

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Mary McDowell’s family shared a heartfelt statement through the sheriff’s office, describing her as a compassionate and loving person. Mary had dedicated much of her life to caring for others, particularly those nearing the end of their lives. Her family said she had provided end-of-life care for many relatives, including her late husband, and for residents at her mother’s memory care facility.

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“She was a sweet, kind, and caring soul who touched so many lives,” her family wrote. They urged anyone who may have known Mary or seen her with Morfin to share any helpful information with investigators. “She helped so many people throughout her life, and now we’re asking the public to help her.”

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During a court appearance on December 16, Morfin addressed Mary’s family and pleaded with them not to believe what he called “propaganda.” He claimed he had been with Mary and tried to revive her. “I love Mary with all my heart,” he said in court, directing some of his comments toward a woman he referred to as his sister-in-law.

The investigation into Mary’s death is still ongoing. Police are working to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to her tragic death.

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For anyone who may be experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

John Brown
John Brownhttps://phsoutlook.com
John Brown is a respected news anchor and journalist known for his engaging storytelling and commitment to delivering accurate, impactful news. With a dedication to uncovering the facts and connecting with his audience, he brings clarity and professionalism to every broadcast. John’s approachable yet authoritative style has established him as a trusted voice in the media industry.

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