OREGON CITY, Ore. — In late July, a man reported that a 49-year-old Oregon City woman went missing. Less than two weeks later, police arrested him for murder.
Jamon Peter Fritsch, 47, lives at the same home on Jefferson Street where Kara Taylor was last seen on the evening of July 25, Oregon City police said. Two days later, he reported Taylor missing on July 27.
Detectives determined very quickly her disappearance was suspicious, they said, as Taylor has a 22-year-old daughter with special needs living at the same home.
"For her to leave the daughter there by herself and not be seen or heard from is what led us to believe that," said Captain David Edwins from the Oregon City Police Department.
A follow-up investigation found Fritsch made multiple trips to Home Depot for things like zip ties, tarps and a saw blade. They also found blood in the home Fritsch shared with Taylor.
Oregon City police arrested Fritsch early Monday morning with help from the Clackamas County Interagency SWAT team. In court later afternoon, it was revealed Fritsch admitted to investigators that he killed Taylor and dismembered her body. He also told investigators that they won't find her body because he dispersed her over multiple garbage municipalities, the state prosecutor said.
Fritsch faces multiple charges including murder in the second degree, manslaughter in the first degree and abuse of a corpse in the second degree.
Taylor's family released a statement regarding her disappearance and death: "Kara was a very loving and caring person who would do anything for anyone if she knew it would make a day in their life better. She was trusting and had faith in others and believed there was good in everyone. Her time here was shortened, but the ones that had the blessed opportunity to be part of her life will be forever grateful for the time spent with her. As the phenomenal mom Kara was, she unfortunately leaves behind a 22 year old special needs daughter named Nicole."
Police have not said how Fritsch and Taylor knew each other.
In court, prosecutors argued that he is a threat to society and should remain behind bars without bail. The judge obliged.
Investigators are working to locate and recover Taylor's remains. Anyone with information related to her disappearance are asked to call the Oregon City police tip line at 503-905-3505 and reference case no. 23-015668.
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