PHOTOS: Car parts likely tied to 1958 Martin Family disappearance
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After 66 years, the mysterious disappearance of the Martin Family from Northeast Portland may have revealed one of its secrets this week.
A car matching the description of the Martin Family's Ford was found upside down in mud and debris in Cascade Locks in Hood River County. Officials spent two days working to extract the entire vehicle, but could only get pieces — but enough pieces they may be able to make a positive identification.
TIMELINE: What we know about the 1958 Martin family disappearance
A Ford emblem and a partial license plate along with the engine from the car were recovered in an operation that involved the Hood River County Sheriff's Office.
The engine and other parts removed were taken to a crime lab for processing, Hood River County Sheriff Matt English said.
Mayo has spent the past seven years diving into the Columbia River in search of clues that could solve the Martin Family cold case. Then he discovered what could be the final piece of evidence while exploring the deepest part of the canal.
Cascade Locks locals react after new lead prompts search in 1958 cold case
'What we're calling this is 'The Pit,'' Mayo said. 'This is a forgotten feature of the Cascade Locks.'While diving, he spotted what he thought could be a depression in the canal floor. He used a 15-foot pole to test the depth of the area and later returned to start digging.'I found some wheels sticking up. It's upside down, and I thought, 'Oh, that's a car. That's exciting,'' Mayo told KOIN 6. 'I didn't think it was the Martin car because of its tire tread. Didn't look like 1950s tire tread, and the hubcap on it was super shiny. I thought, 'Well, that's not that old.' So I thought, 'Well, at least it's a car.' And then as I went further on it, I realized, 'Oh my gosh, this is the car. This is a '54 wagon.''
How did they find the Martin Family station wagon? Diver explains
Mayo was also able to get video of the car's partial license plate. After a match, officials said they are 99% sure this is the Martins' car.KOIN 6 News will continue to follow the developments in this cold case
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