Authorities in Oregon have apprehended a suspect in connection with the disappearance and death of Ryan Staggs, who went missing nearly three years ago. 54-year-old Murphy Calvin Henry II was arrested on January 9, 2025, and faces charges of second-degree murder, second-degree abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.
Staggs, 30, was last seen at his Newport, Oregon residence on January 31, 2022, and was reported missing the following month. The Lincoln County District Attorney Cold Case Unit had been actively pursuing leads since May 2022.
A significant breakthrough occurred on December 27, 2024, when cadaver dogs reacted to soil samples taken from a backyard during a search warrant execution. While no remains were found at that time, the development provided investigators with crucial information and led to the identification of new witnesses.
On January 8, 2025, investigators discovered a shallow grave in a remote area of Lincoln County containing remains believed to be those of Staggs. Official confirmation from the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office is pending.
Staggs was the owner of Happy Motors in Newport. In a prior incident in August 2021, he was shot in the face while sleeping in his home by an unknown assailant. His vehicle, which was initially missing when he disappeared, was later recovered and sold at auction.
The investigation into Staggs' disappearance and murder is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Newport Police Department tip line at 541-270-1856 or via email at [email protected]. While a motive has not been publicly released, the arrest of Henry marks a significant step towards justice in this long-unsolved case.
