CLOSURE FOR TWO 1980s COLD CASE MURDERS |
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In 2020 The Washington County District Attorney's Office secured a grant named "Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA," which allowed them to launch their Cold Case Unit. The Cold Case Unit focuses on investigating and prosecuting violent crime cold cases involving identified DNA associated with a possible suspect. The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance funds the grant. WCSO Detectives review cold cases annually.
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In August 2022, detectives assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit, who also handle cold case investigations, re-opened the investigation into the 1983 death of Nancy McEvers. The initial report was Nancy had died by suicide, but evidence in 1983 indicated her injuries were not self-inflicted. The original investigation had gone cold after a lack of leads and cooperation from Nancy's husband, Randal "Randy" McEvers.
Over the past several months, detectives developed multiple new leads on the case. The Washington County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Unit re-examined items of evidence. The Oregon State Police Crime Lab reviewed all the evidence from 1983 and concluded that the lab results from 1983, ruling out suicide, were still accurate and conclusive.
Before the case could be reviewed, Randy committed suicide on February 8, 2023. The 40-year-old cold case into the death of Nancy McEvers is now closed.
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In November 1988, Robert Elmer Atrops of Tigard filed a missing report for his estranged wife, Deborah Lee Atrops. The next morning local law enforcement discovered Mrs. Atrops' body in the trunk of a vehicle abandoned in Beaverton.
On December 2, 1988, the autopsy revealed that Mrs. Atrops had been physically assaulted and strangled to death. The cause of death was deemed to be a homicide. Investigators expended a significant amount of time and effort in their investigation; however, the murder of Mrs. Atrops remained unsolved, and eventually, the case turned cold.
Over the next year and a half, detectives and investigators reinterviewed multiple witnesses and had forensic evidence reexamined. On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, a Washington County grand jury reviewed the case details. After hearing all the evidence, the grand jury indicted Mr. Atrops for one count of murder in the second degree.
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Stark and his partner Cpl. Akin have worked together for over 10 years and have an agency record-setting 320 captures. Stark earned the Top Dog Award at the 2014 Washington County K9 Trials and always brought a bit of fun to shift with his festive-themed costumes.
This real-life Iron Man had an unstoppable career - he recovered from double knee surgery in 2017 and returned to work, keeping Washington County safe. Stark loved to work; his favorite job was coming to work each night with Cpl. Akin. He will now enjoy his well-earned retirement with the Akin family.
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Mark your calendar for the 2023 Washington County K9 Trials competition! Join us for a FREE FAMILY EVENT as law enforcement K9 teams compete for the "Top Dog" title on Saturday, May 20, at the Hillsboro Stadium (4450 NE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR 97124).
In partnership with the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Sheriff's Office Foundation, this event provides a great opportunity for the public to connect with local public safety agencies and learn about the talented K9 units protecting our communities.
We hope to see you there!
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The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Latino Advisory Commission
(LAC) invites you to attend a community conversation to help shape the
future of public safety in our community.
The Latino Advisory Commission is working to build trust between the
Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Latino Community.
Your input and your voice are important.
Partnering together, you can help us:
- Cultivate an ongoing partnership between law enforcement and the community
- Establish shared goals for an inclusive and safe community for all
- Provide input on how we can meet the public safety needs of the entire community
- Address issues Latino community members may face with the justice system
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See Something? Say Something! If you see any suspicious activity, or anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our deputies are ready to respond and always here to help.
- Report it to the non-emergency number, 503-629-0111: suspicious activity, abandoned vehicles, anything out of place, graffiti, and noise disturbances.
- Call 9-1-1: any immediate threat of harm or danger, serious injury, missing children, endangered persons, and crimes occurring now.
Describe specifically what you observed, including:
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Who or what you saw;
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When you saw it;
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Where it occurred; and
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Why it’s suspicious.
Remember - if it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. When in doubt, call. We are here to help!
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With spring break on the horizon for many students this time of year, many parents wonder, “Is my child old enough to stay home alone?” This question is challenging because it depends on the child's maturity.
Ask yourself these questions to help inform your decision:
- Does my child know how to get help in an emergency - such as calling 9-1-1 or going to a neighbor's house?
- Does my child have access to a phone and a list of important numbers to call in an emergency?
- Have rules been established? Some rules might include not having friends over, not answering the phone, not opening the door to visitors and keeping all doors locked, no cooking (or establishing what appliances can be used), and checking in with a parent or caretaker at pre-determined times.
Remember: Not all children mature at the same rate. As your child grows older and stays home alone, you must ensure they follow established rules and possess the life skills to do so.
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Our Community Outreach Team coordinates programs and presentations for enhanced safety and community building. The team provides education and resources to the public and welcomes the opportunity to promote safety strategies and share educational presentations with local groups and organizations.
We prioritize community outreach and creating positive, lasting relationships with our community members and groups. We also utilize community events and functions as educational opportunities for enhanced crime prevention guidance.
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In commemoration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, join us in honoring the Washington County Sheriff’s Office women who work in a wide range of capacities to promote community safety. Their professionalism, public service, and dedication to the community are recognized and appreciated.
To further promote women’s involvement in public safety, the Sheriff’s Office joined the 30x30 Pledge, committing to improving the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. The Pledge addresses recruitment, assessment, hiring, retention, promotion, and agency culture. The 30x30 Initiative is a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations working together to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030 and to ensure policing agencies are truly representative of the jurisdiction the agency serves.
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The Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue program teaches young men and women essential life skills and unique insight into the exciting career fields of Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services.
This program has an outstanding reputation, and police agencies often call upon its skills throughout Oregon. Members are primarily involved in Search and Rescue missions for lost people, downed aircraft, and evidence in major crimes.
To participate, volunteers must meet the following requirements:
- Between the ages of 14-17
- Washington County resident
- Positive community record
- Good physical health
- Minimum 2.3 GPA with no failing classes
- Basic training academy
- Minimum 2-year commitment as an active member
- Monday, March 20, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 25, 2023, 10 a.m.
The deadline to apply is April 15, 2023. To keep up with the latest updates and to apply, visit bit.ly/WCSO-SAR.
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Want to serve your community but can’t make a full-time commitment? Consider joining the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy program!
If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, all while keeping community members safe, building new skills, and committing to 30 hours every 3 months, apply for our Reserve Deputy program!
Reserve Deputies are sworn volunteer law enforcement officers who assist full-time patrol deputies with answering emergency calls, rendering aid, making arrests, and testifying in court. In addition, Reserves also participate in special missions, panels, critical incident callouts, and events.
Applications are due by April 1, 2023, to join our next interagency academy in January 2024.
Don’t miss out on this unique volunteer opportunity. Apply now!
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A rewarding career with great pay + benefits and
the chance to serve your community is waiting for you!
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Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community.
Currently, there are multiple ways to build your career at WCSO. Meet with our Recruitment Team to learn more about your perfect opportunity.
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