WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — 64-year-old Mary McDowell was found deceased outside her home, and her partner, 38-year-old Jose Lucase Morfin Jr., was arrested at the scene. Deputies responded to the home, where McDowell was pronounced dead, and took Morfin Jr. into custody.
On December 20, a Washington County grand jury reviewed the evidence and charged Morfin Jr. with first-degree manslaughter, two counts of second-degree assault, abuse of a corpse, unlawful use of a weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The exact cause of McDowell’s death remains unclear. Following her death, McDowell’s family issued a statement, expressing deep sadness and asking the public for help in understanding the circumstances of her death. They encouraged anyone who had interactions with McDowell or Morfin Jr. in recent years to come forward with information that could assist the investigation.
