Police discovered the body of an Oregon teen girl who went missing on her way home from work. A suspect was also arrested in connection to the teens death.
Documents at Douglas County Jail claim, 39-year-old Troy Phelps faces charges of kidnapping, resisting arrest, and first- and second-degree murder after the death of 18-year-old Kendra Hanks.
Hanks was reported missing by her family on July 8, after failing to come home from work the day before.
She had last been seen walking alongside a Roseburg, Ore., road on July 7, according to investigators.
However, surveillance footage captured Hanks while on her walk home that day. While walking, Hanks was seen getting into Phelps’ SUV, as surveillance footage captured a person matching her description in the vehicle.
Five days after she was reported missing, Hanks’ body was found in Cow Creek, Ore., about 40 miles outside of Roseburg. An autopsy revealed that Hanks was fatally stabbed in the neck.
“Kendra was a sweet, caring, and kind young lady. She loved her animals. She was always there to lend a hand. She had a silent, yet direct way of caring for family and showing her love, and that’s really how we want to remember her.” Kendra’s brother-in-law Brandon Russell said. “We want justice for Kendra and we will do everything we can to make sure she gets it.”
Authorities said that it is unknown at this time if the suspect and victim knew each other.
After speaking with detectives, Phelps was arrested July 21 at a home in Riddle, Ore., according to the sheriff’s office. Jail records indicate he was denied bail.