Case #91-50636

On June 12, 1991, a female office employee of Western School Supply, located 5800 NE Hassalo Street, arrived at work at approximately 7:30 am.  Shortly after that, she went into the warehouse portion of the business and as she was walking down an aisle, she saw the body of her co-worker, Dewayne Ruschman.  She called out to ask someone to call 911.  Police responded and homicide detectives were called.

Detectives observed that the area where Mr. Ruschman’s body was found displayed obvious signs of a struggle.  They were able to determine that the night before Mr. Ruschman’s body was discovered he received a phone call at his home at approximately 10 p.m. and told his wife that he had to go back to work.  This was not unusual for him as he was described by his wife and co-workers as a workaholic who often worked long hours and/or returned to work at night.  Mr. Ruschman was the manager of the warehouse and in that capacity, sold items from the warehouse to different customers, sometimes for cash.  There was currently a sale to the general public going on at Western School Supply.

Detectives noted that Mr. Ruschman’s tri-fold brown wallet was missing.  The wallet contained cash, identification to Mr. Ruschman and numerous credit cards.  None of these items have ever been recovered.  Mr Ruschman was also known to carry cash in his front shirt pocket.  Detectives recovered no cash from any of Mr. Ruschman’s pockets.

An autopsy revealed that Mr Ruschman died of blunt force trauma.  It was also obvious from the autopsy that Mr. Ruschman was involved in a struggle prior to his death.

Witnesses may contact Cold Case Homicide Unit investigators directly at (503) 823-0400. To remain anonymous, witnesses may provide information through Crime Stoppers of Oregon.

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