PORTLAND, OR — Lane Powell Shareholder, Pilar French, is representing Corey Christensen in a pro bono case aimed at securing an independent investigation into the death of his brother, Aron Christensen. Assisting French on this case is Lane Powell associate, Ryan O’Hollaren.
About a year ago, hikers found both Aron and his puppy, Buzzo, deceased on a trail near Walupt Lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The hikers believed that Aron had been shot with a gun and called police. Lewis County’s first deputy to the scene disregarded protocol to secure the crime scene, and instead determined that Aron was poked with a stick and died of a heart attack. The deputy then enlisted volunteers to wrap Aron and Buzzo in a tarp and take them down the mountain, thereby eliminating the evidence. Two days later, the Lewis County sheriff and prosecutor received a confession of the shooting.
In April 2023, county prosecutor, Jonathan Meyer, declined to prosecute the shooter citing a botched investigation with no recourse. French believes that there are other investigatory avenues that can still be pursued, and that Lewis County should allow the Washington Attorney General and/or federal authorities to take over the matter. In the end, Meyer refused to refer the matter to independent investigators, and believes nothing more can be done.
The case has garnered media attention in outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, the Oregonian, and Newsnation. French emphasizes that Corey’s objective is to obtain an independent investigation by the Washington Attorney General or the federal government to ensure accountability for Aron’s and Buzzo’s deaths. Separately, attorneys for Aron's estate have filed a tort claim notice against county offices, alleging sabotage of the criminal investigation.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Geneva Granatstein
Director of Marketing
granatsteing@lanepowell.com