Man Arrested in Early-Morning Homicide Investigation Near Bend
Woman Found Dead at Property North of Bend; Multiple Felony Charges Filed
BEND, Ore. — Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested a suspect early Tuesday morning following a homicide investigation at a property 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 near Bowery Lane and Grandview Drive. Upon arrival, deputies located the body of Christi Mitchell, 43.
Stephen Mitchell, 45, was contacted at the scene and taken into custody. Following an initial interview and investigation, Mitchell was lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.
Investigators said Mitchell is facing multiple felony charges, including Murder in the Second Degree, Physical Tampering with Evidence, Reckless Burning, and Abuse of a Corpse.
Authorities advised the public that an increased police presence may be observed near Deschutes Memorial Gardens on the north end of Bend as the investigation continues.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said it is being assisted by several agencies, including Oregon State Police, the Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Department, Prineville Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bend Fire Marshal’s Office.
No additional details were released as of Tuesday morning. The investigation remains ongoing.
