PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Oregon woman found deceased near an abandoned barn in Ridgefield earlier this month suffered blunt force injuries resulting in her death, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office announced Wednesday.
The ME determined that 32-year-old Joanna Speaks died from blunt injuries to both her head and neck. Her death was ruled a homicide.
In a release on Tuesday, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office revealed Speaks’ death was now being investigated as a homicide.
Speaks’ body was discovered on Saturday, April 8 near a barn at 8004 South 5th Street. Deputies said her body was likely moved to that location.
Her family believes she likely tried to defend herself and could have left marks on an attacker.
“She was fearless,” her sister said. “I guarantee she fought back.”
Speaks’ family tells KOIN 6 that her children have been living with other family members for some time. They say Speaks was usually in the Gladstone and Milwaukie areas.
CCSO asks anyone with information about Speaks’ whereabouts prior to her death or who witnessed suspicious activity at or near the barn in recent weeks to call their tipline at 564.397.2847
Stay with KOIN 6 for continuing coverage on this case.