Corvallis woman missing

PORTLAND, Ore. — The city of Corvallis, where 19-year-old Brooke Wilberger has been missing since Monday, is rarely disturbed by crimes against people.

“Last year, in 2003, we had one murder, one rape, one robbery, and 23 assaults,” said Corvallis police Capt. Robert Deutsch.

Corvallis just isn’t that violent a place, especially when compared to similarly-sized cities, Deutsch said.

Wilberger’s disappearance has triggered a massive search, and brought national attention to Corvallis; police fear the Brigham Young University student may have been abducted.

About 50,000 people live in the Corvallis’ small but diverse community, home to Oregon State University. The city’s downtown is a mix of independent businesses, including bakeries, pubs, bookstores and restaurants. The main community celebration of the year, Da Vinci Days, celebrates art, science and technology for three days in mid-July.

When it comes to high-profile crimes, famed serial killer Ted Bundy put Corvallis on the map when he confessed to abducting 20-year-old Roberta Parks from Oregon State’s campus in 1974 and killing her. Her body was found east of Seattle; authorities said she had been bludgeoned.