A chilling discovery in an Oregon storage unit has led to an arrest in Colorado. The remains of a missing woman were found, sparking a multi-state investigation that uncovered a suspect with a troubling past. This tragic case has left communities in Oregon and beyond searching for answers.
A Gruesome Find in The Dalles
The case began when police in The Dalles, Oregon, responded to a storage unit on West 6th Street. Inside, they found human remains in a storage box, later identified as He “Kiki” Meihong, a woman originally from China. She had been missing since late spring, last seen in Glenwood, Washington, after her fiancé dropped her off to go fishing with friends. The discovery sent shockwaves through the small town, prompting a deeper investigation.
Authorities sent the remains to the Oregon Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy. The identification confirmed Meihong’s identity, and her family was notified. The police described her as a resident of the Mid-Columbia area, though she also had ties to Butte, Montana. The grim find raised immediate questions about how she ended up in the storage unit and who was responsible.
A Suspect Emerges in Colorado
The investigation quickly spanned multiple states, with detectives following leads in California, Washington, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. Their work led them to Richard Michael “Mike” Robinson, a 59-year-old man from The Dalles. Robinson was arrested in Berthoud, Colorado, by the U.S. Marshals Service, initially on a warrant for failing to register as a sex offender. However, police soon named him a person of interest in Meihong’s death.
Robinson, who also spent time in Klickitat County, Washington, is now in custody at Larimer County Jail, awaiting extradition to Oregon. The connection between him and Meihong remains unclear, but investigators are working to piece together their relationship and the events leading to her death. The arrest has brought some relief to those following the case, but many questions linger.
Unraveling the Mystery
Meihong’s disappearance had gone unnoticed for weeks. She was last seen in Glenwood, Washington, a small community near the Columbia River. Her fiancé reported dropping her off to fish with friends, but no further sightings were confirmed. A missing person poster circulated by police noted inconsistencies, such as her age being listed as both 20 and 39, adding to the complexity of the case.
The storage unit discovery was a turning point. Detectives worked tirelessly, chasing tips across state lines to track down leads. The Mid-Columbia Major Crimes Team and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab played key roles in processing the scene and identifying the remains. Their efforts pointed to Robinson as a key figure, though authorities have not yet detailed how he became a suspect.
A Community Seeks Justice
The Dalles, a tight-knit community, is grappling with the tragedy. Residents are shaken by the idea that such a crime could happen in their town. Meihong, described as a vibrant woman with ties to both Oregon and Montana, leaves behind a grieving family and friends. The case has sparked conversations about safety and the importance of reporting missing persons promptly.
Local police have urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even small details could help. The investigation remains active, with authorities still seeking answers about the circumstances of Meihong’s death. The community is rallying to support her loved ones, hoping for closure as the case moves forward.
A Broader Look at the Case
This tragedy highlights the challenges of tracking missing persons across state lines. The multi-state effort to find Robinson shows the complexity of such investigations, especially when remains are discovered long after a disappearance. His prior failure to register as a sex offender has also raised concerns about oversight for individuals with criminal histories.
As Robinson awaits extradition, the focus is on building a strong case. Prosecutors in Oregon are preparing for what could be a high-profile trial, given the case’s shocking nature. For now, the community waits for justice, hoping to honor Meihong’s memory and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
