Deschutes County, OR. — A Deschutes County man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies discovered the body of a woman early Tuesday morning just north of Bend.
According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 2:58 a.m. on January 7, 2026, to a report of suspicious circumstances at a property near Bowery Lane and Grandview Drive. Upon arrival, deputies located the body of 43-year-old Christi Mitchell.
Stephen Mitchell, 45, was contacted at the scene and taken into custody following an initial investigation and interview. He was later lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.
Authorities said Stephen Mitchell is facing charges including Murder in the Second Degree, Physical Tampering with Evidence, Reckless Burning, and Abuse of a Corpse.
The sheriff’s office advised the public that they may observe an increased law enforcement presence near Deschutes Memorial Gardens on the north end of Bend as investigators continue to process evidence related to the case.
The investigation is being conducted with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Oregon State Police, Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Department, Prineville Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bend Fire Marshal’s Office.
No additional details have been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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