Oregon Man Suspected of Killing Girlfriend's Family Found Dead in Hotel

A school employee in Oregon is believed to have died by suicide after he was found dead in a hotel room by authorities who were tracking him in connection with the murder of three generations of his girlfriend's family. The victims were identified as Patricia Campbell, 78; her daughter Katie Kinder, 47; and Evan Kinder, 15, Katie's son and Campbell's grandson.

Deputies tracked Edward Villa, 45, to the South Jetty Inn in Hammond, approximately 100 miles northwest of Happy Valley, where the killings occurred. Law enforcement surrounded the hotel and attempted to make contact with Villa. A single gunshot was heard from inside the room, and upon entry, officers found Villa deceased. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office stated that Villa is believed to have acted intentionally and that no other individuals are suspected of involvement.

Authorities began investigating after Katie Kinder failed to show up for work on Monday and repeated attempts to contact her and her mother, Patricia Campbell, were unsuccessful. Coworkers eventually gained access to the home, prompting a call to the Happy Valley Police Department. Responding officers discovered the three victims inside the residence. The deaths were deemed suspicious, initiating a homicide investigation.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Villa, an employee of the North Clackamas School District, had also not reported for work. Investigators established probable cause linking Villa to the deaths and issued an arrest warrant for three counts of first-degree murder. On Wednesday, Villa's vehicle was located at the Hammond hotel by the Warrenton Police Department.

The victims' family described the event as a "heartbreaking tragedy" and shared statements honoring Campbell as an "incredible mom" and "amazing grandmother" who made others feel loved. Katie was remembered as a "loving aunt who brought joy, laughter, and happiness." The family expressed profound grief over the loss of Evan, noting he "had his entire life ahead of him."

Villa had been employed by the North Clackamas School District since 2007, most recently serving as a student and community engagement specialist. Evan Kinder was a 10th-grade student at New Urban Online. Evidence recovered from Villa's hotel room, including a firearm, is being processed by investigators. The sheriff's office has not yet disclosed how Villa was located prior to his death.