He Vanished in 2022 — Now Police Believe They've Found His Remains

A major breakthrough has been made in a 3-year-old cold case, leading to the arrest and grand jury indictment of two Oregon men in connection with a long-unsolved disappearance. The remains of Ryan Staggs, a Newport car dealer who went missing in February 2022, were recently uncovered in a shallow grave. The discovery has raised new questions about the circumstances surrounding his death and those involved in the crime.

Witnesses Come Forward

Staggs was last seen alive on Jan. 29, 2022. On the day he disappeared, witnesses reported hearing him scream inside his home. Just months earlier, he had survived a gunshot wound to the head while lying in bed. Despite an investigation, no suspect was ever identified in the shooting.

Surveillance footage and witness reports later revealed that 60-year-old Jack David Baird was seen at Staggs' home the following day, heightening suspicions about his involvement in the case.

As reported by KOIN-TV, according to court records, an eyewitness came forward and reported seeing Baird and another man, who had been operating the car dealership under Staggs' ownership, with a dead body in a shop in Toledo, Oregon. This key testimony provided investigators with a crucial lead in the case.

Investigators revealed that Baird had rented a backhoe the day after Staggs vanished and witnesses reported seeing him digging up the backyard of his rental home. On Christmas Eve 2024, another witness came forward, alleging that Baird had killed Staggs and used the backhoe to bury him in the yard.

Investigators later confirmed with the property owner that she had paid for the backhoe rental, as Baird claimed he needed it to conduct plumbing repairs beneath the house with two other men.

Evidence Trail, a Breakthrough in the Case, and an Arrest

Following up on these reports, on Dec. 27, 2024, Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputies obtained a search warrant and conducted a thorough examination of Baird's backyard using heavy machinery and cadaver dogs. While no body was immediately found, the dogs detected the scent of human remains in the soil, further supporting suspicions of foul play.

On Dec. 30, 2024, law enforcement arrested Baird. He has now been indicted by a grand jury for second-degree abuse of a corpse in connection with Staggs' disappearance and two counts of burglary in the first-degree.

Additional investigative efforts and witness statements ultimately led authorities to a shallow gravesite on Jan.8, 2025. State police crime lab technicians and county medical investigators recovered the remains, which are believed to belong to Staggs. The Oregon State Medical Examiner's office is working to officially confirm the identity.

Following the discovery of the remains, authorities arrested 54-year-old Murphy Henry. He has now been indicted by a grand jury for second-degree murder, first-degree burglary and assault, second-degree abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and solicitation to commit murder in the second degree.

Unanswered Questions Remain

At the request of Lincoln County District Attorney Jenna Wallace, a judge has sealed the affidavit detailing the reasons for Henry's arrest to avoid jeopardizing the ongoing investigation and ensuring a fair trial. Henry is expected to be represented by the state public defender's office. No trial dates have been announced at this time.

Police believe that Staggs was originally buried in Baird's backyard but was later moved to avoid discovery. Police have not provided details about what led them to the burial site, motive, or how the victim was killed.

Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement officials continue to gather evidence and urge anyone with additional information to come forward. Baird is currently being held in the Lincoln County jail on a $500,000 bond, while Henry is being held without bail.

The arrest marks a critical step in bringing closure to Staggs' family and friends, who have spent years seeking justice. Authorities remain committed to ensuring that those responsible for his death are held accountable.

References: Oregon man arrested for cold case murder after remains found in shallow grave | Newport man charged three years after Lincoln County car dealer's disappearance | Police arrest Toledo man for murder after finding body of Newport car dealer missing for three years | Grand jury indicts man for murder