A criminal investigation that spanned three years has finally brought answers in the disappearance of Ryan Staggs, a used car salesman from Newport, Oregon.
On January 9, 2025, Murphy Calvin Henry II, 54, was arrested in connection with the case.
He has been charged with murder in the second degree, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.
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Ryan Staggs |
The Disappearance of Ryan Staggs
Ryan Staggs was last seen on January 29, 2022, at his home on NW 55th Street in Newport.
The 30-year-old businessman, known for running Happy Motors, was reported missing in February of the same year, as reported by Fox News.
His disappearance left his family and the community searching for answers.
Despite numerous tips, the case went cold until December 2024.
On December 27, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at a Newport property.
Cadaver dogs detected the scent of human remains, but no remains were recovered then.
However, on January 8, 2025, the investigation led law enforcement officials to a shallow grave in remote Lincoln County.
According to a press release from law enforcement, the remains found are believed to be Staggs',
However, they are waiting for a final confirmation from the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office.
A Breakthrough in the Case
The arrest of Murphy Henry wasn't the first arrest in this murder mystery case.
Two weeks prior, another man, Jack David Baird, was arrested for abuse of a corpse.
According to neighbors, Baird was seen digging in his backyard shortly after Staggs' disappearance, and screams were heard from his property the day Staggs vanished.
At the time of this report, investigators have not released a motive, and the connection between Henry, Baird and the victim remains unknown
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information about the case to come forward.
If you have any tips, contact Newport Police Detective Darren Cicerone at 541-574-3348 or email [email protected]
For Ryan Staggs' family and the Newport community, these arrests mark a significant step toward closure.
However, questions remain about what truly happened and why.
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