Police ask for public’s help after woman’s body found in Ridgefield barn

CLARK COUNTY Wash. (KPTV) - Police are asking for the public’s help after a woman’s body was found in an abandoned barn.

On April 8, around 5:57 p.m., the Ridgefield Police Department and Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue responded to a report of a dead person at an abandoned property near the 8000 block of South 5th Street in Ridgefield, Washington.

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The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU), assisted by the Vancouver Police Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate. The identity and circumstances of the death are under investigation.

The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as 32-year-old Joanna Speaks of Oregon.

Investigators said there were indications the body was moved to the abandoned barn and the death was being investigated as a homicide.

“Nothing’s off the table as to what we’re thinking could’ve of happened,” says her younger step-sister, Ariel Hamby. “A lot of our family is just blatantly devastated 24/7 and just not functioning.”

“There’s no way that she would’ve gone down without a fight. So whoever did do this, likely had injuries or something like that personally as well from her fighting back,” says her Robyn Speaks, Joanna’s older sister

But her family will keep her spirit alive, calling her vibrant, lighting up any room.

“Everything that she did was go big or go home kind of attitude, she was just one of a kind,” says Hamby.

Joanna leaves behind three children ages, 7,12 and 13.

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“They are resilient. They broke down right away when I told them, but I think right now they’re just trying to stay occupied,” says Hamby. “She had this giggle in this life that one of her sons has it sounds just like her, and I just echoes in our house. A lot of my memories go to her, just being a big kid with them.”

Her family tells FOX 12, to their knowledge, Joanna didn’t have a connection to Ridgefield and how she ended up there, is still a mystery.

The sheriff’s department asked for anyone aware of any suspicious people or vehicles at or near 8004 South 5th Street in Ridgefield during the last few weeks to contact detectives.

If you have any information, please contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at 564-397-2847.