Melissa Rose Trench Wiki, Biography
After nearly three weeks of searching, the remains of 38-year-old Melissa Rose Trench were found in Shevlin Park, Bend on Sunday, January 15. Her family last saw her the day after Christmas. After she was reported missing, her friends, family, and community members participated in the search for her along with the police.
Deschutes County Police dispatchers received a call around 12:30 p.m. m. Sunday from search teams in the Shevlin Park area, located west of Bend.
When the search team called authorities Sunday, they said they found what appeared to be a body at the south end of Shevlin Park, near Forest Service Road 4606 and Tumalo Creek.
The location where the body was found is outside the Bend city limits. Sheriff’s deputies then responded to the scene and confirmed the deceased person was Melissa Rose. The Deschutes County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded and assisted the sheriff’s office in the investigation.
Sheila Miller, Bend Police Communications Manager, said:
“Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate this case, but there is no evidence of foul play or criminal wrongdoing.” “Her spirit of hers is free,” Melissa Rose’s family confirms her death in a Facebook post.
After Melissa’s remains were found, Bend police thanked the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Deschutes County SAR Foundation for assisting in the case.
Melissa Rose was last seen at a Fred Meyer store after leaving her parents’ house on the night of December 26. She was wearing a green jacket with fur on the hood. It was the same outfit that her family reported her to have been wearing when they last saw her.
Miller said her family members found Melissa’s car at the entrance to the same park on December 27.
According to Bend police, Melissa called one of her ex-boyfriends of years on Dec. 27 and informed him that she was injured in the woods and needed help. She notified her family after receiving the call, and the search for Melissa began.
Sheila Miller said the call from Melissa’s phone was verified through cell phone records. Police also questioned her ex-boyfriend, who was not in Oregon when Melissa Rose called him.
Melissa’s family shared a post on Facebook on Sunday, January 15 on the “Bring Melissa Home” page. The page was initially created to gather help from others in the search for the 38-year-old man.
The statement on Facebook read:
“Today, January 15, Melissa Rosann “Rose” Trench came home. Her spirit is free and she is at peace.”
Her family shared their deep gratitude for everyone who was able to participate in the searches conducted for Melissa. They also thanked the people who sent them encouraging messages of hope and kept Melissa’s family in their thoughts and prayers.
Melissa’s family then thanked the Deschutes County SAR team for their tireless efforts in the search, the Pacific Crest Trackers Association for investing their time and dedication in the case, and lastly, the Bend Police Department for help them at all times.
They concluded the message by saying:
“May Melissa ‘Rose’ continue to live in our hearts and her spirit continue to accompany the acts of those she has touched.”
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and its Search and Rescue Team searched nearly 4,000 acres and about six square miles within days of Melissa Rose’s disappearance. They searched the same area multiple times with search dogs, drones, ground searchers, and even horse teams.
The Bend Police Department also assigned two detectives to follow up on tips provided by the public. Detectives reviewed surveillance video and also reviewed cell phone data.
Melissa Rose’s brother, Jeffrey Trench, said they received an outburst of strong emotions from people. They felt a lot of gratitude and appreciation that so many people reached out to them and sent a message of love and support, extending their hands to help the family.
Jeffrey described his sister as a very loving and authentic person who reached out to and touched many people.