An elderly woman in Oregon, who was confined to her bed due to health issues, was tragically murdered and her body hidden in a suitcase. The 80-year-old’s home had been taken over by squatters who reportedly used it as a hub for criminal activities, including the murder and subsequent desecration of her body.
The victim, Judy Hurley, was reportedly unaware of the individuals living in her home. Justin Misner, a friend of Hurley’s, shared this information with local media. Misner and his partner, Leslie Ortiz, had met Hurley in 2024 when they expressed interest in purchasing her home in the St. John’s neighborhood of Portland on Sauvie Island. Hurley, who had no known family or friends, was planning to move to a retirement home.
Misner and Ortiz assisted Hurley with her move to the retirement home and her medical appointments. They developed a close bond with her, with Hurley often expressing her love for them and considering them as family. She appreciated their help during her last few years.
However, due to medical reasons, Hurley had to leave the retirement home and return to her house on Sauvie Island. Bedridden and unable to secure her home, squatters took advantage of her vulnerability and occupied the second floor of her residence.
Misner and Ortiz lost contact with Hurley after her move to the retirement home. The exact date of Hurley’s murder remains unclear. Her body was discovered in a suitcase on the west bank of the Willamette River on February 17. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office confirmed her death as a homicide.
Michael Moody, 54, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with Hurley’s death. The Sheriff’s office stated that detectives had gathered enough evidence to charge Moody, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Misner and Ortiz believe that Hurley’s kindness and generosity made her an easy target. Moody has been arraigned on charges of murder and abuse of a corpse, with his next court appearance scheduled for March 3.