An arrest has been made in connection with an investigation into the death of a hiker who was reported missing in Oregon but later found by authorities.
On Friday, November 29, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a deceased individual in the Welches area. Susan Lane-Fournier was the victim.
The sheriff’s office stated that she had been missing since November 22nd, “after failing to arrive at her workplace.” The next day, authorities received word that they had spotted her car, a white 1992 Ford F-250, along Green Canyon Way Trail.
The sheriff’s office conducted a days-long search following the tip.
Welches is an unincorporated settlement located around 45 miles from Portland.
Lane-Fournier’s husband faces charges
Officials conducted an autopsy after finding Lane-Fournier’s body and determined that homicide was the cause of death.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office announced on Saturday that they had arrested and charged 71-year-old Michel Fournier with second-degree murder.
Michel is allegedly the victim’s husband.
“Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen Michel Fournier in the days before her disappearance or who has information about his activity and whereabouts since then,” the sheriff’s office said.
Victims’s dogs found deceased
According to KETV, Lane-Fournier was hiking with her two dogs. Officials were also attempting to locate the animals during the search.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office discovered the dogs, thought to be Lane-Fournier’s, over the weekend.
“The dogs have been transferred to the custody of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, where investigators are working to confirm their identities,” the press release stated.