In a shocking development from Newport, Oregon, an investigation spanning three years came to a head this week with the arrest of Murphy Henry, a 54-year-old man accused of murdering car dealership owner David Staggs. Staggs, who was last seen on January 29, 2022, disappeared under mysterious circumstances that have haunted the local community and law enforcement ever since.
- Oregon man arrested for car dealership owner's murder
- Human remains found in remote grave site
- Victim David Staggs reported missing in 2022
- Jack Baird previously arrested related to case
- Investigation ongoing by Cold Case Unit
Henry faces serious charges following an intense police operation that led to the discovery of what authorities believe to be Staggs’ human remains. The Newport Police Department revealed that these remains were unearthed at a shallow grave site in a remote area on January 10, 2025. Alongside murder, Henry is charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence, signaling the gravity of the allegations against him. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office is currently working to confirm the identity of the remains, a critical step in piecing together this tragic case.
Staggs’ disappearance sent ripples of concern through the community that reported him missing in February 2022. Friends and family members were left heartbroken and desperate for answers. Witnesses recounted the unsettling atmosphere surrounding Staggs’ home the day he vanished. “We heard yelling and screaming from across the street,” one neighbor noted, raising red flags even then. It was just days after Staggs went missing when another man, Jack Baird, was arrested on separate charges related to the case. Reports suggest Baird was seen digging in his backyard shortly after Staggs’ disappearance, further linking him to the investigation.
Authorities are scrutinizing Baird’s connection to the case, as his alarming behavior has drawn the attention of the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Cold Case Unit. They have actively pursued leads since May 2022, tirelessly working to close the gaps left by time. The probable cause affidavit connecting Baird to the crime features witness statements and a timeline that paints a disturbing picture of events surrounding Staggs’ last moments.
The forensic procedures involved in this ongoing investigation include comprehensive analyses of the remains and any physical evidence collected from the scene. This meticulous approach is crucial not only for securing convictions but also for providing closure to the grieving loved ones left in the wake of Staggs’ suspicious vanishing.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Henry’s and potentially Baird’s fates rest in the hands of the judicial system. Newport, once a peaceful community marred by the shadow of this case, now holds its breath as the story develops. With the investigation deemed active, further revelations will likely emerge, each one adding another layer to this already complex narrative.
As the days pass and the community seeks healing, the hope remains that justice will prevail, bringing to light the truth of what happened to David Staggs.
