Vancouver Police Seek Public's Help with Unsolved Homicide
The case involves the recovery the skeletal remains of two females in the Dole Valley area of Clark County. One of the victims has not been identified. Medical and other forensic experts believe the unidentified remains are those of a white female, age 17 to 23, estimated 5' 2
(VANCOUVER, Wash) — The case involves the recovery the skeletal remains of two females in the Dole Valley area of Clark County.
One of the victims has not been identified. Medical and other forensic experts believe the unidentified remains are those of a white female, age 17 to 23, estimated 5' 2" to 5' 5 ?1/2 " tall with long, dark brown hair which was thick and coarse and would have appeared wavy.
Her teeth, particularly upper canines, were in poor condition.
In connection with the ongoing investigation, the Clark County Sheriff and the Clark County Medical Examiner are seeking information relating to Martha Marie Morrison, who disappeared in Portland, Oregon in September 1974.
At the time of her disappearance, Martha was 17 years old and had recently traveled to Phoenix, Arizona and the Eugene-Springfield area of Lane County, Oregon.
At the time of her disappearance, Martha was described as white, 5' 4" and weighing approximately 140 pounds, with long brown hair and hazel eyes.
Available background information indicates that Martha was raised in Lane County, where she attended public schools, including Jefferson Junior High School and Roosevelt High School.
Her mother was deaf and Martha was skilled in sign language.
She was also an accomplished guitarist and singer. She did tarot card readings.
She had severe psoriasis which affected all of her body, except her face.
She was placed in foster care at an early age and was reputed to be an occasional runaway.
She attended the Corvallis Farm School for a brief period and may have run away from that facility.
She has been described as a "free spirit" who engaged in recreational use of marijuana and amphetamine.
In 1973 or 1974, Martha lived in Phoenix where she attended Job Corps training.
It is reported that she may have been employed at the Courthouse in Phoenix as part of her training.
While in the Job Corps, she met a fellow student with whom she later travelled to Portland in mid-1974.
He is described as a light skinned African American who was thin and taller than Martha.
The two are reported to have taken up residence in Portland, where he worked as a welder in the shipyards.
Martha and her male friend visited Martha's mother around late August, 1974, before returning to Portland.
Her male friend reported that she had left their apartment in September following an argument. She has not been seen or heard from since that time.
Anyone who may have known Martha or her male friend, or any of their associates, or who may have had contact with either of them is urged to contact:
Clark County Sheriff's Cold Case Unit. Cold Case Tip Line: (360) 397-2036 Email: coldcase@clark.wa.gov
Source: Clark County Sheriff
