WARRENTON - The mother of a St. Helens boy found dead this week had tried to protect her son from his dad, who police now believe is the person who killed him.

Police records show that Shannon Davis feared for her life and her son's, as her ex-husband grew increasingly violent and threatening.

On Jan. 17, Davis filed a restraining order with the court. In part, it said: "He [Rockland Stephens] is getting bolder and bolder with his actions. I feel like his behavior is escalating. He is a very unstable person."

That restraining order was granted on Jan. 18, yet a judge still gave Stephens limited "parenting time" rights on alternate weekends. Last weekend, Stephens picked up his son, 10-year-old Shane Davis, for a short camping trip but did not return when he was ordered to, so Shannon quickly alerted police.

District Attorney Steve Atchison said his office issued an arrest warrant for Stephens on Monday: "We acted as quickly as we could, but apparently it was too late."

Shane was found dead inside his dad's van at Fort Stevens State Park in Warrenton Tuesday. His dad was also dead, at his side.

Investigators said it appeared that Stephens ran a hose from the exhaust pipe of his van into the cab where he want to sleep next to his son. Both were dead by the time park employees noticed something suspicious and called 9-1-1.

Fellow students, teachers devastated

The Lewis & Clark Elementary School, where Shane has attended classes since kindergarten, sent out a note to parents today, letting them know about his death and explaining the grief counseling available for students.

One of his former teachers also sent a note to the media, explaining what a special boy he was: "Shane was an absolutely delightful child who always had a smile on his face, was eager to learn and gave 110% of himself in the educational environment. His sense of humor, easy graceful relaxed personality and sweet disposition attracted many friends and stole the hearts of our instructional staff. Words cannot express how much this loss has impacted our community. He will be tremendously missed," the statement said.

School principal Kathy Carson said “it’s a time to reflect on the meaning of life and our family connections and just take time to process what we’re feeling and thinking through it all.” Meantime, Shane's classmates posted huge banners with words of sorrow in the school cafeteria Thursday.

A memorial service for Shane Davis was scheduled for Monday, March 24 at 1pm at United Methodist Church in St. Helens. A candlelight vigil was also planned for 7 p.m. Friday, at Lewis and Clark Elementary School.

District Attorney Josh Marquis said toxicology tests would be conducted but everything appeared to be consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning. He added that evidence found at the scene also pointed to murder-suicide even though there was not a suicide note.

Heated custody battle

A warrant had been issued on March 17 for charges of attempted custodial interference and comtempt of court in Columbia County after Stephens failed to return his son from the camping trip, which was a court-authorized weekend visit. The child's mother called Oregon State Police Sunday after her son did not return home.

Police said she had also filed for a restraining order back on January 17, citing concerns about Stephens' conduct. A judge issued a modified restraining order on Jan. 22, allowing Stephens to have limited weekend contact with his son.

She had filed a previous restraining order against him in 2000 and he was accused of stalking her, according to records in Columbia County.

Police records also showed other women had filed restraining orders against Stephens in the past as well.