GRESHAM, Ore. — A 21-year-old Oregon barista who was killed last week died from multiple gunshot wounds, a medical examiner said.
Dr. Christopher Young on Monday declined to release additional results from the autopsy performed over the weekend.
Whitney Heichel vanished on her way to work Tuesday. Her SUV was found in a Walmart parking lot with one window smashed.
Her disappearance triggered a search effort that ended late Friday with the discovery of her body on Larch Mountain east of Gresham.
During an investigation, detectives found evidence from her SUV in a dumpster nearby, surveillance video showed a person using her ATM card at a gas station and her cellphone was found in a field.
Tips led police to a search at Larch Mountain, and detectives found the license plate for Heichel’s car and other evidence.
As police continued to investigate, they narrowed in on Jonathan Daniel Holt as a possible suspect. He lived in the same apartment complex as Heichel and her husband
Police said Holt came in for three separate interviews.
During a 10 p.m. press conference Friday, Gresham police confirmed a body that was found at Larch Mountain was Heichel, and police arrested Holt.
“There is no question. Our community has been shaken to the core. All deeply sorry for their loss,” said Gresham mayor, Shane Bemis.
Holt is currently at the Multnomah County Jail. He was on suicide watch on Sunday and was scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday.
Starbucks posted a statement on their Facebook page:
"We are deeply saddened to learn of Whitney's death. Our thoughts and hearts are with Whitney's family, friends, fellow store partners and the Gresham and larger Portland communities during this very sad and difficult time. Whitney was well-liked by everyone she met and was heavily involved in her store and the community she served every day. Whitney, your Starbucks family will miss you greatly."
KIRO
