Honk News (Atlanta, GA) – An 80-year-old woman in Oregon, confined to her bed, was tragically murdered and placed inside a suitcase after her home was overtaken by squatters. Authorities and acquaintances have reported that the squatters transformed the residence into a hub for criminal activities, culminating in the woman’s death and the subsequent mistreatment of her remains.
“She didn’t even know who was living there,” remarked Justin Misner, one of the few people who knew Judy Hurley, during an interview with local Fox affiliate KPTV regarding the octogenarian’s death this month, allegedly caused by 54-year-old Michael Moody, who was taken into custody on Thursday and faces charges of second-degree murder.
In the spring of 2024, Misner and Ortiz are said to have connected with Hurley after expressing interest in purchasing her residence located on North Syracuse Street in the St. John’s area of Portland on Sauvie Island. The pair informed KPTV that the woman appeared to have no known family or friends and was in the process of relocating to a retirement community.
Hurley allegedly departed the retirement facility due to health issues and had to go back to her residence on Sauvie Island, where she was confined to bed and unable to safeguard it from intrusions. It has been reported that individuals unlawfully occupied the home and started residing on the upper level, considering Hurley’s condition and lack of ability to access the second floor.
Misner reported that they were unable to reach Hurley following her relocation to the retirement facility.
Police have not specified the exact timing of Hurley’s death. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office reports that her body was discovered in a suitcase on the west bank of the Willamette River on February 17, and her death has been ruled a homicide.
“Detectives gathered evidence establishing probable cause to charge [Moody],” the sheriff’s office said in a press release Friday. “The investigation remains active, and detectives continue gathering evidence at this time.”
Misner and Ortiz feel that Hurley’s kindness and generosity made her a target for exploitation.
Moody faces serious allegations, including murder and the improper handling of a body. He is scheduled to return to court on March 3.