A tragic discovery in the quiet town of Sherwood, Oregon, has led to the indictment of a 38-year-old man, Jose Lucas Morfin Jr., for manslaughter and other charges related to the death of his 64-year-old partner, Mary McDowell.
On the morning of December 13, authorities found McDowell’s lifeless body near her rural home on Southwest Edy Road, a chilling start to what would become a complex and emotionally charged case... Continue reading here ▶
Just hours later, Morfin was arrested at the scene and has since been indicted by a Washington County grand jury on several charges, including first-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, abuse of a corpse, unlawful use of a weapon, and possession of a firearm as a felon.
A Grim Discovery and Early Questions
The case began with the early morning discovery of McDowell’s body at approximately 4:40 a.m. Initially, authorities told local news outlets that the circumstances surrounding her death did not seem “homicidal or intentional.”
However, Morfin was detained at the scene and charged with assault as investigations continued.
Prosecutors now allege that violence played a role in McDowell’s death, though specific details about how she died remain scarce.
Emotional Courtroom Outburst
During his arraignment, Morfin proclaimed his innocence and made a dramatic appeal to a family member of McDowell’s, breaking courtroom decorum.
“I know my sister-in-law, Lori Humphry, is listening,” Morfin reportedly said. “Lori, please don’t listen to the propaganda. Lori, I was there with Mary, and I tried to revive her!”
The judge quickly reminded Morfin of his right to remain silent, but the defendant continued, declaring his love for McDowell before being removed by a bailiff.
A Family’s Heartfelt Plea
In the wake of McDowell’s death, her grieving family released a poignant statement to local media, honoring her memory and seeking help from the public.
“Mary was a sweet, kind, caring soul with a delightful giggle who spent her entire life serving and caring for others,” the family wrote. They detailed her devotion to caring for loved ones, including her late husband, parents, and residents at her mother’s memory care facility.
The statement also urged anyone with information about McDowell’s interactions with Morfin to come forward, emphasizing how even seemingly minor details could help the investigation. “We also request that the public refrain from speculating about her, especially on social media, as that is very hurtful to her grieving family members,” they added.
