On Labor Day weekend in 1974, the Cowden family—Richard, Belinda, their five-year-old son David, and their five-month-old daughter Melissa—set out for a camping trip in the Siskiyou Mountains near Copper, Oregon. What was supposed to be a peaceful family outing turned into a baffling and tragic mystery that remains unsolved to this day.
Disappearance
The family was last seen on September 1, 1974. Richard Cowden and his son were spotted at a general store purchasing milk, while Belinda and baby Melissa waited in their truck outside. Later that day, the family was expected to return to Richard’s mother’s house for dinner, but they never showed up. Concerned, the grandmother went to the campsite the following day and found it abandoned, with all their belongings left behind, including the milk Richard had bought.
Search Efforts
A massive search effort ensued, involving local law enforcement, volunteers, and even the National Guard. Despite the extensive search, no trace of the Cowden family was found until seven months later. On April 12, 1975, two gold prospectors stumbled upon the remains of the Cowden family in a remote area of the Siskiyou Mountains. The bodies were discovered in a shallow cave, covered with rocks.
The Crime Scene
Richard Cowden’s body was found tied to a tree, and it was determined he had been shot. Belinda, David, and Melissa were found in the cave. Belinda and David had been bound and shot, while baby Melissa appeared to have died from severe head trauma. The discovery was horrifying and provided little to no clues about who might have committed such a heinous act.
Investigation
The investigation into the Cowden family murders was hampered by a lack of evidence and leads. Several suspects were considered, including a convicted murderer named Dwayne Lee Little, who had been released from prison shortly before the Cowdens disappeared and was seen in the area around the time of their disappearance. Despite circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime, no concrete proof was found, and he was never formally charged.
Theories and Speculations
Over the years, numerous theories have been proposed, ranging from random acts of violence to suggestions that the family was targeted for unknown reasons. Some speculated about the involvement of a cult, while others believed it was the work of a deranged individual. However, without solid evidence, these theories remain speculative.
Legacy
The Cowden family murders have left a lasting scar on the community and remain one of Oregon’s most haunting unsolved cases. The remote and rugged terrain of the Siskiyou Mountains, combined with the lack of witnesses and evidence, has made solving this case particularly challenging. The story of the Cowden family serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk even in the most seemingly peaceful settings.
The tragic and mysterious murders of the Cowden family continue to perplex investigators and haunt those who remember the case. Despite the passage of time, the hope remains that someday, new evidence might surface, or someone with crucial information might come forward, finally bringing justice and closure to the memory of Richard, Belinda, David, and Melissa Cowden.