Meshay Melendez and her daughter Layla Stewart have been missing for more than a week
The bodies of two people located in a rural area near Washougal are believed to be those of Meshay Melendez and her daughter Layla Stewart, according to law enforcement officials. Melendez and Stewart have been missing since March 12.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suspicious circumstance call of SE Sunset View Road in Washougal on Wednesday morning. A passerby reported that there appeared to be two “life-sized mannequins” just off the roadway down an embankment in some thick brush.
A deputy responded and discovered two deceased persons.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded and is investigating, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.
Vancouver Police detectives were contacted. Based on “unique identifying genetic marks,” Vancouver Police reported that the bodies are believed to be the 27-year-old Melendez and the 7-year-old Stewart. Family members have been notified.
Cause and manner of death are pending the report from the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Earlier in the week, Vancouver Police identified Kirkland C. Warren as a person of interest in the disappearance of Melendez and Stewart. Warren was arrested on March 19 and booked on Tampering with a Witness, Violation of DV Orders (Meshay Melendez was listed as the protected person), Assault IV-DV, Drive-By Shooting, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm II.
Vancouver Police were initially asked to perform a welfare check on March 18 at the Springfield Meadows apartments (4317 NE 66th Ave.) after family members said they had not heard from Melendez since March 11. A friend told them that Melendez and Stewart had not been home for days and their dog was inside the apartment.
Investigators learned that Melendez, Stewart, and Warren had stayed at the home of an acquaintance on March 11. Warren is described by police as an ex-boyfriend of Melendez. The three were seen leaving in a burgundy Dodge Charger at approximately 6 a.m. March 12.
A week later, Meshay’s mother located Meshay’s vehicle, a 2000 Chrysler 200, in the 7800 block of NE Loowit Loop. Vancouver Police seized the vehicle for a search warrant.
Vancouver Police said the investigation is continuing.
Also read:
- Opinion: The Clark County Charter grants the power to appoint, not to revoke, council member board appointments
Attorney Angus Lee argues that the Clark County Council lacks legal authority to remove Michelle Belkot from the C-TRAN Board, raising concerns over governance and legal consequences. - Councilor Michelle Belkot recaps volatile week during appearance on The Lars Larson ShowClark County Councilor Michelle Belkot discusses her removal from the C-TRAN Board and her concerns over light rail funding and the I-5 Bridge project.
- WAGOP lawsuit disputing State Senate General Election finally heard in courtA WAGOP lawsuit challenging Clark County’s 2024 election results was heard in court, alleging voter roll inaccuracies affected the Legislative District 18 race.
- WA gubernatorial emergency powers reform legislation dies – againEmergency powers reforms have stalled in the previous four legislative sessions Brett DavisThe Center Square Washington The political stars seemed aligned for the Washington State Legislature to pass a bill this session to rein in the governor’s emergency powers, with Republicans eager to pass reform legislation and a new Democratic governor who in his inaugural …
- Opinion: Legislative winners and losers so farThe Washington Policy Center reviews the legislative session’s winners and losers, highlighting key policy decisions affecting business, taxation, and housing in Washington state.
- Proposed Regional Fire Authority could burn holes in area residents’ walletsResidents in Camas and Washougal face a key vote on Proposition 1, a new Regional Fire Authority proposal that could significantly increase property taxes while promising improved emergency services.
- Vancouver’s State of the City and Council Community Forum
Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will deliver the 2025 State of the City address, highlighting progress on community safety, homelessness, affordable housing, and economic opportunity.
wpDiscuz
