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ME ‘certain’ remains are fugitive Paul Winklebleck

SALEM, Ore. (KOIN 6) – The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office says it is confident that human remains found in Marion County in December are those of a man wanted for kidnapping two women in downtown Portland in March 2010, and they have released the remains to the family of Paul Evans Winklebleck.

Winklebleck was wanted on felony warrants for kidnapping, criminal impersonation, assault, attempted rape and robbery, police said. He is also wanted for child sex abuse and failing to register as a child sex offender.

Dr. Larry Lewman with the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office said Monday that the manner of death has been ruled “undetermined.” The death certificate has been completed and the Winklebleck family has picked up his remains, officials confirmed.

“We’re certain it’s him,” Lewman said. “I’m confident.”

The determination has been made based on the “circumstantial” evidence found at the scene and facts gathered by detectives. Lewman theorized that the cause of death may have been from drowning, but could not confirm.

Forensic testing is still being conducted by the University of Texas Austin Campus, Molecular Biology Building after human remains were found Dec. 11 by hunters on Cook Road Northeast near the town of Turner. A spokesperson with the University said Friday that she was checking to see the status of the testing.

Based on evidence found at the scene, investigators believe that Winklebleck’s body may have been in that location ever since the night of the crime.

Sgt. Chris Baldridge, spokesperson with the Marion County, said Monday, his agency is “not willing” to comment on the circumstantial evidence. He said that they are waiting for DNA test results to come back, which could take several more months.

In December, Baldridge said the sheriff’s office was exploring “all avenues” when asked if detectives were investigating the possibility that the remains belong to Winkelbleck. Monday, he maintained that position and said the sheriff’s office would not be commenting until there was a final lab determination.

“We will wait the extra time to make sure it’s 100%,” Baldridge said Monday morning.

Portland Police said the investigation started Thursday, March 4, 2010 when two women left the Roseland Theatre in downtown around 11:45 p.m. They were approached by Winklebleck who told them that he was working for the Portland Police Bureau as a spotter. Winklebleck reportedly told the women that he was willing to help them get home safely because they might be intoxicated.

The two let Winklebleck drive them home in one of the women’s vehicle because he told them he worked with police and it was his job to get them home. Once in the car with the women, Winklebleck displayed a knife, drove south on Interstate 5 and took the Detroit Lake exit, stopping on a gravel road off the freeway, police said.

The women, police said, were able to escape after fighting Winklebleck. They ran to a nearby home where a resident called police. Winklebleck fled the area and had never been seen. The case has been featured on two national television programs.

Spokesperson Sgt. Pete Simpson with the Portland Police Bureau said Wednesday that PPB would “defer to Marion County until they get confirmation” before commenting.

Family members of Winklebleck have asked for privacy.