Bodies believed to be missing woman, daughter found; boyfriend held in jail on $1M bond

Authorities have reported the discovery of remains believed to belong to a woman from Vancouver and her daughter in a rural expanse near Washougal, as confirmed by the Vancouver Police Department on a midweek day.

Meshay Melendez, a woman of twenty-seven years, along with her daughter Layla Stewart, aged only seven, were last seen on the Sunday of March 12th.

Based on the identification of unique genetic markers, it is inferred that the bodies in question are those of Melendez and Stewart.

The task of confirming their identities and providing an authoritative explanation of their passing will fall under the purview of the medical examiner.

Around 9:40 in the morning, an individual walking with their canine companion made a discovery hidden within dense undergrowth, near the juncture of Southeast Sunset View Road and Wooding Road. Subsequent exploration by deputies revealed the lifeless bodies of the aforementioned individuals.

Sergeant Chris Skidmore, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, situated near the premises associated with the Washougal School District, less than a mile from the grim discovery, remarked, "This is considered a primitive thoroughfare, much like a solitary path, which explains our presence here rather than farther away. There are only a few privately owned divergent routes leading in this direction, hence the considerable distance. After departing from the thoroughfare, it descends into a minor ravine, and therein lies the vicinity where the discovery was made."

At present, a unit from the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Investigation is processing evidential matter in Washougal. Authorities have indicated that Meshay Melendez’s former paramour, Kirkland Warren, is a person of interest in this ongoing investigation.

On the 2nd of March, Warren was charged with involvement in a drive-by shooting, allegations of firearm-related assault, committing felony harassment, and the illegal possession of a stolen firearm.

It is reported that he discharged said firearm toward Melendez’s residence. Recent court documents reveal that Warren was subject to a no-contact order with Melendez, a command that he allegedly violated within a span of just two hours. This violation occurred through a phone conversation initiated by Warren from his place of confinement.

Consequently, he was released on bail on the 8th of March.

Subsequently, on the Sunday of March 19th, Warren was apprehended once again on allegations of unlawful possession of a firearm, violating a restraining order, and tampering with a witness.

The final individual to have reported seeing Melendez and Stewart is an acquaintance who, according to police reports, contacted emergency services on the morning of March 12th after witnessing Melendez unresponsive and partially in Warren's vehicle.

Warren then took young Stewart, only seven years old, from the same acquaintance's residence and left with both the mother and daughter.

Melendez's vehicle was found near her home seven days later.

Authorities suggest that Warren had Melendez's communication device at the time of his arrest on Tuesday.

Currently, Warren remains in custody at the Clark County Jail, with bail set at one million dollars.

Furthermore, he faces charges related to a homicide that occurred in Jefferson County, Arkansas, in 2017. A magistrate in that jurisdiction ordered the revocation of Warren's bond this past Friday.