Case of Allyson Watterson’s Death Remains Open

NORTH PLAINS, Ore. — The death investigation of 20-year-old Allyson Watterson continues.  The case is still open even though her remains were found between two remote North Plains  properties last June.  A farmer was mowing and found her body in the thick weeds and underbrush.

Allyson and her boyfriend, Benjamin Garland went for a hike in North Plains on December 23rd, 2019 when their car broke down.  The pair split up to look for help.  Allyson was never seen alive again.

Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Van Kleef comments this case does not look like a murder, it was likely was a terrible accident.  Investigators are still receiving regular tips.  The medical examiner was supposed to issue the cause and manner of death two weeks after the remains were found.  They still have not done that.

Detectives have talked with Allyson’s boyfriend a number of times.  He is in prison serving time on an unrelated crime.  He was the last person to see her.  Investigators have kept what he has told them close to the vest.

Deputy Van Kleef says: “I still remember being out in North Plains for days looking for Allyson hoping for that Christmas miracle.  My heart goes out to the Watterson family.  I know this is very painful for them.”

The Watterson family paid for private searches and looked on their own for Allyson.  Washington County Sheriff’s deputies conducted numerous searches on private and public land.  They’ve followed up on leads that even lead them out of state.