Whitney Heichel’s Body Found, Man Arrested For Murder

Gresham, OR — The body of missing Starbucks barista Whitney Heichel has been found on Larch Mountain, according to Gresham police, who also announced the arrest of Jonathan Holt of Gresham in the woman’s murder.

Police stated during a press conference on Friday that Holt was an acquaintance who lived in the same apartment complex as Heichel and was arrested after he was interviewed by police several times, reports Northwest Cable News.

Police discovered Heichel’s missing car license plate on Larch Mountain, prompting them to search the area, where their ultimately discovered her body. Shortly after the news conference, Starbucks sent a message out on Facebook about Whitney Heichel’s death, saying:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of Whitney’s death. Our thoughts and hearts are with Whitney’s family, friends, fellow store partners and the Gresham and larger Portland communities during this very sad and difficult time. Whitney was well-liked by everyone she met and was heavily involved in her store and the community she served every day. Whitney, your Starbucks family will miss you greatly.”

USA Today notes that Whitney Heichel went missing on Tuesday morning when she failed to arrive for her 7 am shift at Starbucks. Her husband notified police after he was unable to reach her later that day. The 21-year-old’s car was discovered around 11 am on Tuesday in a Wal-Mart parking lot with its passenger side window smashed.

A child later discovered the missing woman’s cell phone in a field between the Wal-Mart and a gas station. A sighting of Heichel’s vehicle on Tuesday at Lark Mountain, prompting police to search the area, where they found her license plate and, later on, her remains.

Spokesman for Whitney Heichel’s family Jim Vaughn thanked police for their commitment to the case, adding, “Reall, words can’t begin to express the sadness that our families are experiencing tonight.”

The Inquisitr sends its condolences to the family and friends of Whitney Heichel.