On June 24, 1962, 67-year-old Lester McCollum was found deceased inside his home near Battle Ground after friends became concerned for his welfare. He had suffered a fatal wound to the back of the head, and his death was ruled a homicide. 

Nearby, in a camping trailer parked on McCollum’s property, investigators discovered the body of Charles Hale, 72. He had suffered a similar wound, and his death was also ruled a homicide. 

McCollum’s vehicle was missing from the residence but was recovered in Seattle three days later. Detectives believe robbery may have been a motive in the killings. 

The case remains unsolved.