The Bakersfield Californian from Bakersfield, California • Page 12

T2v Wednesday, July 9,1975 gtyg Sakmnfirlb (Mtformmt amily death probe continues MEDFORD, Ore. and without fanfare, investigators here continue to pore over clues in the Cowden family murder case, one of the more bizarre hiultiple homicides in Oregon history. It will be a year ago this Sept. 1 when Richard Cowden, his wife, Belinda, and two. small children vanished from their campsite near the (own of Copper in Southern regon's Siskiyou fountains. The four bodies were found by prospectors last April 12, eight months after the family vanished. Lt. Mark Kezar of the Oregon State Police has coordinated the investigation, which he says remains active. wasa log truck driver from White City, Ore. He had taken his family camping in the Siskiy- ous over Labor Day. He had planned to work around his house, but plans to borrow a truck he needed had fallen sive investigation has put together, this chronology: Cowden returned with David to the camp, and the family went swimming in adjacent Carberry Creek later that morning. A short time later, probably before noon, the family was abducted, probably at gunpoint, and most likely by somebody they did not know. Kezar surmises they were driven some distance away, forced up the steep slope where they were found, and at least three of them were shot. Medical authorities have been unable to determine how Richard Cowden died. "It's a presumed homicide," said Dr. William Brady, state medical examiner. "I'm sure he was shot, even though we can't prove it." The skeletal remains of Cowden were found on a steeo hillside. The bodies of the other three were placed in the small cave, and the entrance was sealed with rocks to disguise it and hide the bodies. "We're sort of settled on our own ideas," Kezar said. "Whether it's enough to go to a grand jury with is another matter." OPEN DAILY WIG CLEARANCE! SAVE 2 10 i So they went camping, and pn Sunday, Sept. 1, Cowden and son, David, 5, went from the camp to Copper to buy jnoilk. i It was 9a.m. None of tne family was reported alive again. A massive search for miles around the campsite up nothing, although is: now known that searchers were as near as 100 feet Jrom the small; cave into which the bodies of the family had been crammed. Lt. Kezar said an exten- Law provides watch SACRAMENTO (UPI) G. Brown Jr. has law a bill allowing districts to mobile home sites on (school property in return for i surveillance of the grounds. i The measure (AB589) by Assemblyman Wadie P. Deddeh, D-Chula Vista, is an urgency measure and takes effect immediately. The measure was designed to reduce vandalism by allowing persons to live on school grounds. 7.88 MEDIUM LOVELY BASIC 1788 1088 J88 Our Reg. Our Reg. Our Reg. 90M mm maa m- jj.gg Our Reg. 29.88 mmm 19.88 Try on a new you! Elegantly flattering, no-cap. modacrylic wigs in a range of natural colors, lengths and styles. Just wash and dry. they never need setting. Shown are just 3 of a wide choice of styles and colors on sale. Hurry in! Copyrights 1975byS. S. KRESGECompany 401 34fh STREET 3600 WILSON ROAD rooms and living rooms. Here you see examples of just some of the many superb collections at reduced prices during our biggest Summer Sale ever. by Drexel, American Tour" by Heritage, bedroom and dining room by Drexel, bedroom by Drexel, MomeBa 1 occasional by Heritage and Heritage upholstery Come browse right now. See these and all the other wonderful Drexel and Heritage groupings at our store. It may be the finest opportunity you'll ever have to purchase this magnificent furniture at such tempting savings. WM. H. DAVIES INTERIORS 2815 St. WESTCHESTER Phone 323-3151 DRUG KING COLLEGE CENTER 1619 COLUMBUS