Killer on the loose, 2 bodies found near Estacada ID’d

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The bodies of a man and woman found in the Mount Hood National Forest near Estacada in what the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office described as “suspicious deaths” have been identified.

Authorities say the bodies of Stacy Jean Rickerd, 42, and Jeremy David Merchant, 43, were found around 9:45 a.m. Monday in an area near a gravel pit where people go to shoot guns, said Sgt. Marcus Mendoza. Both victims were from Estacada.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has determined that both of the victims died from “homicidal violence.”

A dog named Talladega was also found at the scene, according to authorities. The dog, who was described by an on-scene deputy as “sweet,” appears to be unharmed and has since been placed with the victims’ family members.

Anyone with any information regarding the investigation, which is ongoing, is asked to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office at 503.723.4949 or to go online and reference CCSO case number 19-018794.

KOIN 6 News will update this story as soon as possible.