Missing Salem woman found dead, partner charged with murder

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A family is in mourning after a woman who was reported missing was found dead. Police accused her partner of the murder.

Salem police announced that a suspicious death investigation from last week has been ruled a homicide and that a suspect in the case was arrested.

On Jan. 3, a body was found in a vacant lot on Lancaster Driver Southeast outside a burned structure.

The victim was identified as 43-year-old Salem resident Priscilla Joann Aldana, who was reported missing on Dec. 23, officials said. The Oregon State Medical Examiner's autopsy ruled the manner of death as homicide due to a gunshot wound to the head.

As a result of the disappearance investigation, detectives identified Salem resident Erik Mauricio Meza as a suspect in the case, the Salem Police Department said in a press release. Erik is accused of second-degree murder, among other charges.

Police said the 44-year-old Erik was in a "domestic relationship" with Priscilla.

"Detectives and a contingent of tactical officers were following Meza and apprehended him without incident in the 500 block of 18 ST NE on Thursday night, January 9," Salem police said.

Erik was booked into the Marion County Jail and in addition to the murder charge faces charges of second-degree arson and second-degree abuse of a corpse.

Priscilla's sister, Delia Aldana, said she was remembered as a wonderful mother, friend and person.

"I've gone through so many emotions," Delia said. "I've gone through broken-hearted sadness, madness, anger, I mean, you name it."

Delia, an advocate for missing and endangered Indigenous women, led a search party on Dec. 27.

"I mean, we went stomping the ground to find my sister, and once she became missing. I mean, she's not a person that just falls off the map. Just like that with no, no response to anybody," Delia said.

Family and friends of Priscilla gathered at the Half Court Sports Bar and Taproom on Friday as they processed their grief.

"It took a village for us to find her. When I did find out, my heart sank," Delia said. "We took this far and wide. And I do want justice. I want justice to be served. And I can't wait for the day justice is served."

Priscilla's family said she was in an on-and-off relationship with Erik, who police are now alleging killed her.