Police Seek Friend Of Oregon Man Found Murdered Near I-90

Police officials investigating the murder of an Oregon man are looking for one of the victim’s acquaintances.

A motorist found Ian B. Bowers’ body on Interstate 90 east of Coeur d’Alene Dec. 26.

The 45-year-old Milwaukie, Ore., man was not identified until four days later. Autopsy results showed he had been shot in the head.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Department in Oregon announced Tuesday that it has a “person of interest” in the case.

Capt. Don Vicars said investigators want to speak with 38-year-old Patrick W. Smith, but said no arrest warrant has been issued.

Although officials would not release specifics about Smith’s involvement in the homicide, they described him as an acquaintance of Bowers’ who had recently been in the Milwaukie area.

Smith is believed to be driving a white 1990 Ford Aerostar van with the Florida license plate KRJ 80 S.

Both the Clackamas County and Kootenai County sheriff’s departments are looking into Bowers’ death.

Vicars said investigators were able to identify Bowers through fingerprint tracking system. Police had arrested Bowers Dec. 24 on charges he battered his wife.

Detectives from Kootenai County have been in Oregon for the past several days but have not yet released the location where they believe the murder occurred.

Lt. Ben Wolfinger said results of their investigation will be available today.