Missing Lewis County Woman Likely Died of Overdose, was Buried in Oregon

Investigators with the Lewis and Cowlitz county sheriff’s offices announced a major break in the case of a Lewis County woman missing since May 5, 2010.

They now believe 18-year-old Kayla Croft-Payne died of an overdose and was buried in Oregon.

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case over the past five years and recently received new information leading them to believe Croft-Payne died in an RV park in Cowlitz County shortly after she was reported missing.

Because of that, the case was recently transferred to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators also believe Croft-Payne’s body was transported to a remote and wooded area in Oregon and hidden. Detectives have conducted multiple searches in the past six weeks and have found no human remains.

They are not revealing the exact location where they believe the body is located.

To provide information about the case, contact Detective Cory Robinson or Sgt. Brad Thurman at the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office at (360) 577-3092.  

Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of Cowlitz County at (360) 577-1206 or text tips by texting 847411 and downloading "CCSOTip.”