2022 WCSO Annual Report - Report - Page 13
Lead case Detective Mark Povolny shares
Solving a case like this requires the efforts of many
people. The WCSO team of Detective Shannon
Wilde, Investigative Support Specialist Julie Thurber,
and Senior Evidence Officer Kelli Marsden were
tremendously helpful with the investigation’s
different aspects needed to examine the evidence,
review case files, and ultimately bring closure to this
case. Thank you to the Oregon State Police Forensic
Lab, the ATF, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department
in Washington, and the United States Army Criminal
Investigation Division.
While the initial casework and investigation were
completed 48 years ago, the work of retired Detective
Jim Welch was crucial to preserve vital evidence.
Without his excellent police work, this case would
never have been solved.
Finally, the Sheriff’s Office wants to affirm our
appreciation for the Bartron and Zito families and
acknowledge how difficult it must have been to wait
48 years for justice. We hope this can bring some small
measure of comfort and closure for you all.
1976 murder in Washington and the 1974 murders in Oak Hills. The ATF said this is
the oldest known comparison and match on a prosecutable case. The Oregon State
Police Crime Lab was able to confirm that match. In November 2022, a Washington
County grand jury indicted Criss for two counts of murder in the second degree.
Multiple agencies assisted the Sheriff’s Office, including the Oregon State Crime
Lab, the Pierce County (WA) Sheriff’s Department, the ATF, and the CID.
The Sheriff’s Office also wishes to formally apologize to the relatives of Joseph
Amir Wilson, who was arrested and charged with these murders just a few
hours after they happened. Although the District Attorney’s office dropped
the charges against Wilson in January 1975, it is clear Wilson was innocent and
should never have been arrested. Wilson passed away in 2000, and the Sheriff’s
Office has personally met with his surviving family members to apologize.
Detectives would like to speak with anyone with information about these
murders or Criss’ activities since his release from prison in 1988. Detectives
are also investigating the possibility Criss was responsible for additional
homicides. Please call the Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2700 with any
information. If you wish to make an anonymous tip, please notify Crime
Stoppers of Oregon at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com.
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
2022 Annual Report
WCSOOregon.org
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