DAVID "DAVE" EDWIN LEWIS: Murder & arson 13 miles east of Ashland, OR - 4 September 2008

David "Dave" Lewis was a 46 year old father of three. A jack of all trades and good man in any camp, Dave was well known and well respected in his mountain community where he lived on the summit of Dead Indian Memorial Road, 13 miles east of Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon for more than 20 years.

David was found dead after a fire at his rural cabin at 12801 Dead Indian Memorial Road. He had been murdered, shot & the cabin set fire.

David's remains were identified by DNA. There was also ANOTHER FIRE near Dave's cabin that same night, at a vacant vacation cabin at 18196 Dead Indian Memorial Road, about 5-6 miles away.

Edited to add media link: Dave Lewis was found murdered in his rural cabin east of Ashland, Oregon in 2008. His murder remains UNSOLVED!

 

[Tresir]

That's who I think is meant. At first I thought we were talking the opposite sex but similar relationship but have come to realize it is this most likely. Part of it was a vdieo you posted, nothing really that the person did so much as it made me realize what family member seemed to be trying to find his killer front and center. And then just some other remarks that made me realize we were talking a female.

What makes you think contract killer? They don't generally wreck stuff, mess it up and so on do they? They simply do a clean hit or at times I guess make a statement to others which could explain the horridness of it with accelerant and all?

Dave is starting to sound to me like an outspoken, opinionated and maybe somewhat hardheaded, stubborn man who made some enemies. Maybe has a bit of moral superiority and believes he is the judge of right and wrong or is a bit of a know it all that way/knows more than others. Of course that's depending on what's true. Did he really spend months in jail for beating up a sex offender? Some of the claims are provable, like that one I'd think. Not trying to diss the victim, simply looking for an accurate picture and perp possibilities once understanding that and more.

I came to the thought some time back without knowing any of this further stuff that the relative just doesn't have anything to gain from the murder and it would have to be anger, revenge or maybe stealing some family heirloom (unlikely) and then also arsoned two other sites and killed another man? It's starting to seem pretty unlikely to me. In the beginning when we didn't know much I figured more would come as to it making sense but honestly more info is leading me away from it but then who knows... Here either I'm not trying to diss the relative theory but I'm finding it more difficult to believe. It takes a lot of supposing and making too many unlikely things work imo.

Of interest in one of your videos, did you post two? I think so and I watched both, actually had some time I shouldn't have been wasting lol. Anyhow in one of them it was said how Dave would help anyone even delivering them firewood if needed and immediately I felt a click. That's the job that Troy was offered. Maybe it means nothing but I thought it interesting... This is a leap but could it have been Dave at the Pilot or somewhere he offered Troy this work? I have been thinking they didn't have any connection or know each other but if Dave frequented the Pilot at all maybe they did if Troy was around a lot/always hanging out. A small thing but it wasn't just firewood, the remark but the "delivering" of it for those who needed it.

I only mentioned contract killer because the person may not have been in the area but could have hired someone. It was just a theory.

I have only just realised that Dave's relative is the one who bought the site in 2022 for 350k. I missed that fact completely earlier on.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Ok, so you did not witness them at all, in the area around the time of the deaths and 2 first arsons. You are just going by what Dave said to you prior to his death. Did he tell you this (about the checks and the show up person ) in person or by phone and how long before his death did he tell you this? Days/weeks before or exact day, if you can remember? It would be very helpful.

What is this RV? Do you mean Recreational Vehicle, like a camper van which they would drive to Ashland from their home?

I kept thinking throughout also that she meant a rec vehicle but only recently realized she means the Rogue Valley, she said as much in a recent post.

I think this relative is perhaps a bit abrasive, pushy and expects to get his or her own way and will just confront to do so in a bullying manner but not someone that would kill necessarily. Of course I don't know, it's just a reading between the lines of everything. In a way the person is reminding me of Dave and a bit of the picture I am starting to develop. Not all bad traits but strong traits and believing in one's own being right on all that could certainly rub others the wrong way.

Maybe she answered but I think she talked to him on the phone ten days before if she hasn't responded to you yet.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I think the fires served some sort of a purpose- of course- but what? I do think the trick is identifying the association of the two scenes.
You know, here we have a murderer and an arsonist! And btw, re arsonist, unless I'm mistaken, statistics would show that this is a male perp.

Agree. All the crime activities seem male to me but with arson, yes, almost always.

I think the fires were to destroy evidence. A second possibility is someone hoped destroying these properties that were not in the hands of developers might bring them up for sale or drive someone away in fear? I didn't think so at first but maybe Dave was taken to the second cabin and killed. It was then torched to destroy all evidence of a murder and it created a distraction while he was then taken to his own home, all else done to him and property and that torched. It's a volunteer fire department that had to rely on tankers of water for lack of hydrants, etc. and one fire would tie them up good for some time I'd imagine. By the time the other was lit and then known about the perp/s were long gone before the FD could ever get there. And of course there'd be no reason for an LE call over a murder as no one would have expected that. Just a thought..The tie in if any between the fires may be something completely different.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Since this post has been brought over from JT I would like to remind everyone how curated the threads are there.

This particular post referenced by @Tresir was one of many in an attempt to discredit anything I posted as a VI.

If you read through the thread the context is more clear but keep in mind that many of my responses to nonsense like this was heavily moderated or deleted.

There's no way to defend myself from every statement that this person directed towards me but over the course of a year I was accused of "returning to the scene of the crime" that I "doth protest too much" that I was deliberately lying, that I would be arrested by the FBI or US Marshals for lying... etc...

It's just not worth my precious time and energy.

It's okay if folks disagree or don't see the case the same way or have questions or ideas.

Until there's a suspect it could be ANYONE.

However, I want to be clear that I have no desire to fight the battles that happened in JT. There's no way to explain the inexplicable.

Thanks for your support and excellent questions. I'm looking forward to making some progress here.

️

I experienced just what you are talking of at JT. I well remember and know if someone disagrees with a favored or pet or has a different theory, you will be edited, bounced, etc.

That isn't going to happen here I assure you and everyone here means respectful discussion and I don't think you will be edited for anything unless something goes way over the top (even then probably not) or if too religious or political, it will be removed and that's about it.

You know more and experienced more than any of us so I can't know all the reasons for your opinion. I am finding it the more unlikely one but that's all and believe me we don't all share the same opinion here on every case that's for sure (check out Delphi My Lord lol) but I'd say we self moderate pretty well (moderators rarely have to interfere) and don't need babysitters although we may come close lol.

Nah it's all meant in good discussion and wanting answers and justice and you may find someone with a stubborn different opinion that at some point might argue yours on occasion but again it's peaceful with no editing by others, etc. Well this member we call emu does go in and change people's posts so there is one.... LOL. It isn't done in spite but I guess he means it in fun but I don't find it funny. He'd be toast for doing that at JT.

I'll tell ya honestly and respectfully that I'm leaning towards local in this. I wasn't leaning yesterday but after a day of thank you, responses from you and learning more, I have a slight tip of the scales as I put it towards one direction. Not any individual, just that it's local. And it isn't due to the relative, his friend even thinks he p*ssed off the wrong person/people one too many times, etc.and had a lot to say about the area, sheriff, recent problems at the resort and the resort getting red flagged and more, directing to go ahead and build anyhow, Dave walking off the job and more.

And then there's just answers to things asked, other info and more that lean me that way. I'm no leaning that way based on what the relative says just so you know. I was looking at that and thinking it had a local feel before hearing tons more in the last day or two. You yourself said it seems the person had to know the area well, back roads and so on. And you think the relative did but that's not nearly the same as a local would.

I'm seeing Dave as goodhearted and giving and loyal as they come but stubborn, outspoken, opinionated with no gray in black and white as to what is right and wrong. Of course I can't know and that will change too as I learn more I'm sure but many things have me forming that opinion.

Anyhow, you're safe here and won't have to fight battles but it doesn't mean there won't be disagreement and maybe somewhat heated on occasion but not over the top. What you've seen so far is pretty much par for the course. This though has been more questioning time than any of us having strong opinions as we don't know enough yet to have them.

You've been great about providing info and answers and I'm sure we've worn you out already lol and there's only a few of us here on this thread. I know I did my share. Sorry.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Given the circumstances, I think 10 days is a relatively long time.
Are there no mutual friends?

I wonder whether it was the sister's marriage that led the siblings from Delaware to Oregon.
(It's neither here nor there- actually, I feel like it's none of my business!, it's just that having never left my hometown, I'm always curious to know the reason people decide to leave, especially for somewhere so far away.

That's a thought. I feel much not my business either but I do feel background helps with the overall picture in a crime to get a feel for everything, relationships, logistics, all sorts of things.

Yeah it was certainly a move from one side of the country to the other...

 

[GrandmaBear]

What a cute little place! I wonder if David built it.

Don't quote me but I don't think so. I think it existed before Dave.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I only mentioned contract killer because the person may not have been in the area but could have hired someone. It was just a theory.

I have only just realised that Dave's relative is the one who bought the site in 2022 for 350k. I missed that fact completely earlier on.

No theory is impossible, I was just curious what gave you the thought.

I'm leaning the local way for a ton of reasons. Someone he angered or got in the way off too much or often. On the other hand, it is unlikely but this could have been a group of meth fueled punks on a joy ride (both cabins). I don't THINK so but just pointing out that anything is possible. Apparently local LE has been 'UNABLE to get anywhere on it or at least not t naming a suspect, POI, making an arrest or even showing they've done anything in the last 15+ years. I think it is time the release a bit more info. They haven't solved Troy's either NOR the other murdered guy on the trail. They are zero for three and if one counts the other two fires (the other cabin and Troy's camping spot torched later), they are zero for five in solving. I think that alone should require they show the public they haven't just shoved these all under the rug for some reason...

 

[Red Clover]

Given the circumstances, I think 10 days is a relatively long time.
Are there no mutual friends?

I wonder whether it was the sister's marriage that led the siblings from Delaware to Oregon.
(It's neither here nor there- actually, I feel like it's none of my business!, it's just that having never left my hometown, I'm always curious to know the reason people decide to leave, especially for somewhere so far away.

That was the last time I spoke with him. I had gone out of town for a natural products trade show in SF the week he was killed.

I tried calling him several times after I got back before I had gone over to my mom's and she showed me the newspaper article that I posted here yesterday.

I don't know who else knows what.
If memory serves me, David & his relative moved to Oregon in the mid eighties.

I think the first one of them came out to attend the University here (possibly still Southern Oregon State University at the time) and David rode his motorcycle out to Oregon from Delaware.

I believe they both met their future spouses here in Southern Oregon. I met Dave & his future wife when I was working with this relative at a coffee shop around 1985-86.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I only mentioned contract killer because the person may not have been in the area but could have hired someone. It was just a theory.

I have only just realised that Dave's relative is the one who bought the site in 2022 for 350k. I missed that fact completely earlier on.

Well that's what I thought we were told earlier on but then later in this thread it seems it was said that's not the case. I queried about it but don't think it was answered. Where are you getting that info?

 

[Red Clover]

What a cute little place! I wonder if David built it.

It's very old as far as I know, possibly the original cabin on the property, I would guess it's close to 100 years old if not older.

 

[GrandmaBear]

That was the last time I spoke with him. I had gone out of town for a natural products trade show in SF the week he was killed.

I tried calling him several times after I got back before I had gone over to my mom's and she showed me the newspaper article that I posted here yesterday.

I don't know who else knows what.
If memory serves me, David & his relative moved to Oregon in the mid eighties.

I think the first one of them came out to attend the University here (possibly still Southern Oregon State University at the time) and David rode his motorcycle out to Oregon from Delaware.

I believe they both met their future spouses here in Southern Oregon. I met Dave & his future wife when I was working with this relative at a coffee shop around 1985-86.

What year was the pot growing charge again? Wasn't that in the 80s and in Cali I think? With a brother did you say? So three siblings were out there in the 80s? I realized yesterday Dave would be just two years older than me and we were 80s youths and he'd have graduated HS in 1980 give or take a year. So this would be their young adult years or at least Dave's. Is sister older or younger?

 

[Red Clover]

What year was the pot growing charge again? Wasn't that in the 80s and in Cali I think? With a brother did you say? So three siblings were out there in the 80s? I realized yesterday Dave would be just two years older than me and we were 80s youths and he'd have graduated HS in 1980 give or take a year. So this would be their young adult years or at least Dave's. Is sister older or younger?

Brother in law, his (ex) wife's brother.
It was a federal charge in the late 80's maybe 1990, I don't know the specifics but I remember they weren't actually caught with weed, it was circumstantial but they were convicted and served time. I think Dave served about 2 years.

 

[Tresir]

No one should be ruled out until known. For me, I end up kind of forming as time goes on, with enough info of course, likelihoods more so and not ruling out 100 percent almost ever. I am starting to feel this person a bit unlikely for a lot of reasons most or all which have been mentioned at one time or another. It doesn't mean I rule out the possibility though.

Another things is every time I read he expected the person to show up, I sense it to mean on his doorstep in broad daylight unannounced maybe but not in the dark of the middle of the night to kill and torch him while starting with another man camping near a Pilot how far away and then torching another cabin on the way days later. I can add some other thoughts to that as in they'd be in an out of state car or have to rent one or who knows and that's just more things to make a way for this person to have done it. And more.

Did this person do it alone or with someone because things like pulling welding tanks off and a lot of the other actions also make it seem unlikely.

It doesn't mean I dismiss the possibility though. I will be honest and say I am not leaning towards it though. And all that is despite what the other has said or others over the years. I was asking and having some very similar questions before I ran into any of that or any of that was linked. To me, it takes a lot of explanation and when too many things need to be explained or made to work, that's when things don't fly well for me.

But who knows, anything is possible.

The two cabins were torched within hours or even minutes of each other. The guy in the sleeping bag was shot two days earlier but not found till the day Dave was shot ie Troy was shot 2 days before Dave AFAWK.

 

[Red Clover]

The two cabins were torched within hours or even minutes of each other. The guy in the sleeping bag was shot two days earlier but not found till the day Dave was shot ie Troy was shot 2 days before Dave AFAWK.

Then someone returned to Troy's camp and set it afire. That fire was reported around 1:00 am on Sunday September 14th. Later the same day there was a memorial held at noon for David at the site of his cabin.

 

[Tresir]

Well that's what I thought we were told earlier on but then later in this thread it seems it was said that's not the case. I queried about it but don't think it was answered. Where are you getting that info?

@Red Clover told me. LOL. I have tried to check it out on the property assessor's site but it is just not user friendly. I posted the link it was bought in 2022 though, just didn't know by whom, so a long time after the murder and arson.

 

[Tresir]

Then someone returned to Troy's camp and set it afire. That fire was reported around 1:00 am on Sunday September 14th. Later the same day there was a memorial held at noon for David at the site of his cabin.

Yep, we will get it all right in the end. It's a complicated scenario. I wonder if the finding of the Wolverine mask prompted that later torching, in case anything else was still laying around.

 

[Tresir]

I read that there is a proposal to change the name of Dead Indian Memorial Road. Will find the link I saw.

Sign the Petition

Petition to Rename Dead Indian Memorial Road

www.change.org

 

[Red Clover]

Yep, we will get it all right in the end. It's a complicated scenario. I wonder if the finding of the Wolverine mask prompted that later torching, in case anything else was still laying around.

I always thought that the wolverine mask was found AFTER the fire at Troy's campsite. Maybe I misunderstood. It's been reported that LE got DNA from the mask and determined the guy wasn't a suspect.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Brother in law, his (ex) wife's brother.
It was a federal charge in the late 80's maybe 1990, I don't know the specifics but I remember they weren't actually caught with weed, it was circumstantial but they were convicted and served time. I think Dave served about 2 years.

Okay. An in law. Met his wife out there and this was her brother. I was thinking brother. Thanks!

 

[GrandmaBear]

The two cabins were torched within hours or even minutes of each other. The guy in the sleeping bag was shot two days earlier but not found till the day Dave was shot ie Troy was shot 2 days before Dave AFAWK.

I know all that. I don't know though exactly what I said in my post that you are responding to here? I don't think I said differently or even talked of this did I?