BEND, OR — Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested a suspect early Wednesday morning following a homicide investigation just north of Bend.
According to the 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 discovered the body of 43-year-old Christi Mitchell.
Investigators contacted Stephen Mitchell, 45, who was still at the scene. He was taken into custody following an initial interview and investigation.
Stephen Mitchell was lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail and is facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, physical tampering with evidence, reckless burning, and abuse of a corpse.
Authorities advised the public that there may be a continued law enforcement presence near Deschutes Memorial Gardens on the north end of Bend as the investigation proceeds.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said it is being assisted by 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.
