Person of Interest in Murder of Portland Mom Back in Oregon

The ex-boyfriend of Apache Rose Hightower, who is considered a person of interest in her murder, has been returned to Oregon, according to Columbia County Sheriff Jeff Dickerson.

Jesse Lane, who was arrested by the Sheriff's Office in Santa Barbara, California, was returned Monday to the Coffee Creek Prisoner Intake Center in Wilsonville and then transferred to Columbia County for questioning.

While Lane remains in custody solely on the state parole board hold, investigators hope to learn more about the events that occurred on the night and early morning hours of September 19-20, before Hightower's body was found down an embankment off of Pittsburg Rd near the Salmonberry Reservoir.

Hightower was the mother of an 11-month-old daughter, Luna. Her family says that Lane is Hightower's ex-boyfriend.

"Anyone having information that can shed light on this case should contact us through our tip line," said Dickerson. "Especially those people who might have withheld information out of fear of reprisal, might feel more comfortable coming forward with Mr. Lane in custody."

The tip line number is (503) 366-4698.

Photos courtesy Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office, Columbia County Sheriff's Office.