A medically-vulnerable Stayton woman who went missing July 16 has been found deceased and authorities are following up on a potential cause of death.
On the evening of July 21, the Stayton Police Department announced they had found the remains of Janice Christine Davis, 58, in the woods near her house.
Witnesses last reported seeing Davis alive July 16 walking near Westown Ave. and Shaff Rd. and noted she appeared disoriented and confused. Her medication and wallet had been left at home, said police, and they considered her endangered.
Search efforts included interviewing neighbors and local business owners, searching on foot and reviewing hours of surveillance footage. Davis was known to frequent local parks and wilderness areas, and police focused their search on the woods near her home.
SPD was assisted by Marion County Search and Rescue, who utilized a drone borrowed from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The drone captured footage of a figure laying in thick brush, and after rescuers reached the area they found human remains that would later be identified as Davis.
Police said Davis was found “well off the established path” and that rescuers had to traverse difficult terrain to reach the site.
The matter was turned over to the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause of death, and as of press time a potential cause had not been announced. Police said there was no reason to believe there is any risk to the public.
“We greatly appreciate the assistance of Marion County Search and Rescue personnel and the MCSO drone operator as well as citizens who called in tips,” said SPD in a public statement. “Our hearts go out to Janice’s family and friends as they process through the loss.”
