An Oregon man is facing serious charges after the death of his much-older partner, authorities revealed.
On December 13, 64-year-old Mary McDowell was found dead near her home in Sherwood, a small town in the Portland metro area. Later that same day, police arrested 38-year-old Jose Lucas Morfin Jr. in connection with her death. Last week, a Washington County grand jury formally indicted him on multiple charges, including manslaughter in the first degree, two counts of second-degree assault, and one count each of second-degree abuse of a corpse, unlawful use of a weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The tragic discovery happened early in the morning on Southwest Edy Road, close to McDowell’s rural home. Her body was found at about 4:40 a.m., according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. At first, investigators didn’t think her death appeared to be intentional or the result of a homicide.
Morfin was at the scene when authorities arrived and was taken into custody that day. Initially, he was only charged with assault.
Details surrounding the case remain scarce, but Morfin has claimed he is innocent. During his arraignment, he requested a public defender and directly addressed someone he believed was a family member of McDowell who might have been present.
“I know my sister-in-law, Lori Humphry, is listening,” Morfin said. “Lori, please don’t believe the propaganda. I was there with Mary, and I tried to revive her!”
The judge reminded him of his right to remain silent, but Morfin continued, saying, “Lori, I love Mary with all my heart.” His remarks were cut short as a bailiff escorted him out.
McDowell’s family later released a heartfelt statement to the media, sharing their grief and fond memories of her.
“Mary was a sweet, kind, and caring soul with a delightful giggle,” her family wrote. “She spent her entire life helping others, caring for family members in their final days, including her sister, her late husband, her parents, and even residents at her mother’s memory care facility. She was always there to help friends, neighbors, and even strangers.”
The family also asked for the public’s help in understanding what led to McDowell’s death. “If you have any information or had contact with her or her partner, Jose Lucas Morfin Jr., in recent years, please reach out to detectives. Even small details could help us gain a clearer picture,” the statement urged. They also asked people to avoid speculation about Mary on social media, as it adds to the family’s pain during this difficult time.
While the exact cause of McDowell’s death hasn’t been fully disclosed, prosecutors believe violence played a role.
Morfin has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in custody at the Washington County Jail as the investigation continues.
