On March 30, 2023, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office received the report of a missing female, Aleah N. Aaron (25) of Cave Junction. The Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section was contacted and asked to lead the investigation. Investigators later found Ms. Aaron’s deceased body in rural Josephine County near Cave Junction. On April 2, 2023, investigators arrested Thomas R. Fuertes (35) of O’Brien, Oregon in connection with Ms. Aaron’s death. Fuertes was lodged in the Josephine County Jail on charges of Murder and Abuse of a Corpse. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, we are unable to provide further information at this time. The Oregon State Police seeking the public’s assistance and requesting anyone with information related to the disappearance and murder of Ms. Aaron to please contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 800-442-2068 or *OSP (*677) from your mobile phone. Reference case #SP23-092940.
