Army Vet, Girlfriend Arrested For Murder: Portland Police

PORTLAND, OR — Police on Wednesday arrested an Army veteran and his girlfriend in connection with the murder of 30-year-old Daniel Cohen of Portland, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

Peter George Jirasek, 34, and Jessika Lynne Atkinson, 23, were lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on murder charges. Neither is eligible for bail, according to court documents.

Cohen was reported missing on April 7, police said. During the missing person investigation, detectives in Portland were reportedly told Cohen's body had been recovered in Lane County, and that an autopsy performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner determined his death was caused by homicidal violence.

Information gained during the subsequent investigation led police to name Jirasek and Atkinson as suspects in the case, police said. They were taken into custody in the Beaverton area on Aug. 9.

Both Jirasek and Atkinson have criminal histories that include charges for possession of methamphetamine and heroin, theft, and harassment, respectively.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Portland Det. Brad Clifton at 503-823-0696, or email brad.clifton@portlandoregon.gov.

This post will be updated when more information is available.

Photo Courtesy: Portland Police Bureau, mashup courtesy Emma Jehle for Patch News