Michel Fournier, estranged Oregon husband of Susan Lane-Fournier arrested in her murder after body of missing Brightwood woman found. Victim had recently filed for divorce.
An Oregon man has been arrested for the murder of his estranged wife a week after she was reported missing. The woman’s death comes just weeks after she had petitioned for divorce from her suspect husband.
According to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, a body was discovered Friday morning, circa, 8.30am in an unincorporated part of Clackamas County near Welches.
Later that day, 71-year-old Michel Fournier was taken into custody on a charge of second-degree murder according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
Discovered body id as that of missing Oregon wife
It was not until Saturday afternoon when officials identified the body as that of Susan Lane-Fournier, 61, who was previously reported missing on Nov. 22, along with her two dogs after she’d gone hiking.
After Lane-Fournier’s truck was found on Nov. 23, rescue crews spent four days scouring the Mt. Hood National Forest for signs of Lane-Fournier and the dogs, only for the search to be called off Tuesday morning on account of ‘weather conditions and the likelihood of survivability.’
Fournier’s body was discovered four miles from where her truck was found, authorities said. The dogs have not been found at this time.
Lane-Fournier had previously been reported missing after failing to show up at work on November 22. Deputies did not find Lane-Fournier at her Brightwood residence after she was reported missing by her employer.
Recent divorce filing
Lane-Fournier had filed for divorce against Michel after 12 years of marriage, according to court documents. It’s unclear if the divorce had any connection to her murder.
Authorities to date declined to state the cause and manner of death of the victim.
Investigators add they are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen Michel Fournier or may have knowledge of his whereabouts in the days before Lane-Fournier’s disappearance.
Fournier is currently being held without bail in the Clackamas County Jail.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
