WA IAN ECKLES: Missing from Cle Elum, WA - 16 May 2020 - Age 41 *ARREST*

Search for hunter missing near Cle Elum takes a frightening turn

The mystery behind the disappearance of a hunter last seen near Cle Elum more than a week ago deepened after searchers reported spotting the man's SUV being driven by someone else.

Law enforcement alongside volunteers are looking for Ian Eckles of Kent, who was last seen May 16.

Friends say Eckles, 41, was going to meet friends for a hunting trip in the woods near Cle Ellum, but hasn’t been heard from since.

This missing person’s search took a turn when friends say they saw Eckles' Toyota FJ Cruiser being driven by another man. That unknown man was last seen driving away from law enforcement in Eckles' vehicle.

According to law enforcement, there is now a search for the missing hunter and a man hunt for the person who may have been driving his car.

Friends describe Eckles as a family man and a lifelong hunter who had recently become a grandfather. Dan Linn a friend says Eckles planned to solo camp on May 17 and then meet his hunting party the following morning but he never showed up.

“It’s also not unusual for him to skip the first morning hunt. Sleep in. So they weren’t concerned yet,” Linn said.

When he didn’t come back, friends and family knew something was wrong.

“Monday when he didn’t show up to work. That’s when we all knew something was really bad.”

Kittitas County Sheriff's Office is launching a multi-agency search by air and by land, and is asking the public to stay out of the area.

According to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office the suspect is believed to be a Hispanic or Native American male, 20s to mid-30s. He’s described as heavy set, with a chubby face, round nose, and short cropped black hair.

Search for hunter missing near Cle Elum takes a frightening turn

Friends say searchers saw an unknown man driving an SUV belonging to Ian Eckles of Kent, who was last seen more than a week ago.

www.king5.com

MEDIA - IAN ECKLES has been missing from Cle Elum, WA since 16 May 2020 - Age 41

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Is this the same area that Cody Haynes' dad was driving around in the night Cody went missing?

Relatively. The same county.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Suspect in Ian Eckles' death pleads guilty to 8 felonies; homicide case continues

ELLENSBURG - Jorge Alcantara Gonzalez, suspected of killing Ian Eckles in Kittitas County, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to several charges.

www.ifiberone.com

Suspect in Ian Eckles' death pleads guilty to 8 felonies; homicide case continues

Jorge Alcantara Gonzalez, suspected of killing Ian Eckles in Kittitas County, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to several charges.

Alcantara Gonzalez pleaded guilty Friday eight felonies including theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, identity theft, theft of two firearms, residential burglary, first-degree burglary and second-degree burglary.

“The murder of Ian Eckles is not among the crimes in the plea agreement signed on Friday, though Alcantara did admit to the theft of Eckles’ Toyota FJ (Cruiser) and the shotgun Eckles brought to the Liberty area to hunt turkeys,” Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office officials stated.

Prosecutors are delaying proceeding with the homicide charge but agreed to the plea deal to “ensure that Alcantara remains imprisoned and the community is protected,” sheriff’s office officials added. Delaying trial on the murder charge gives prosecutors time for extensive lab processing of evidence including blood and tissue, DNA, fingerprints and ballistics.

The sheriff’s office also continues to pursue information that could lead to the discovery of Eckle’s remains.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Family of missing man last seen near Cle Elum offering $5k reward

CLE ELUM, Wash. -- Family members of Ian Eckles believe the suspect who was on the run for weeks may have killed Eckles. The family says they are offering a $5,000 reward for the location ofIan Eckles's remains or information that leads to his recovery. Action News says Eckles went missing May...

kimatv.com

Family of missing man last seen near Cle Elum offering $5k reward

Family members of Ian Eckles believe the suspect who was on the run for weeks may have killed Eckles.

The family says they are offering a $5,000 reward for the location of Ian Eckles's remains or information that leads to his recovery.

"Hunting season has begun and all hunters should be warned of what they may come across while out there in the woods, especially those out with youth hunters," says Eckle's family member. "Not only are there human remains somewhere, but there may also be weapons or evidence out there that could be dangerous for young ones to come across."

If locals find these following items in the woods, they are asked to call Kittcom at (509) 925-8534:

• Possible human remains
• Abandoned tents and campsites
• Abandoned firearm
• Abandoned mountain bikes
• Abandoned fishing gear
• Anything else that looks like it shouldn't be there

"We are all heartbroken and desperately in need of closure and want nothing more than to bring "our hunter" home! We feel at this point, individuals hunting in that area are our best hope in finding him...," says a family member.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Q6 Cold Case: “The Deadly Getaway”

KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. – The search for the remains of a presumed murdered hunter continues. Ian Eckles headed to the Liberty area in May of 2020 to meet some friends

www.khq.com

Q6 Cold Case: “The Deadly Getaway”​

The search for the remains of a presumed murdered hunter continues. Ian Eckles headed to the Liberty area in May of 2020 to meet some friends to go turkey hunting. He seemingly vanished before he could find them.


The homicide investigation continues, and to date, no was has been charged with murdering Ian Eckles.

They are urging anyone who has or plans to hunt, camp or recreate near Mineral Springs, the Teanaway, Blewett Pass, or Liberty to remember and think about Ian’s story. They are hopeful this piece could jog someone’s memory who was in the area this past year who saw something that could be relevant. They are also asking anyone with game cameras to search for anything suspicious from Mid-May.

 

[Whatsnext]

Suspect in Ian Eckles' death pleads guilty to 8 felonies; homicide case continues

ELLENSBURG - Jorge Alcantara Gonzalez, suspected of killing Ian Eckles in Kittitas County, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to several charges.

www.ifiberone.com

Suspect in Ian Eckles' death pleads guilty to 8 felonies; homicide case continues

Jorge Alcantara Gonzalez, suspected of killing Ian Eckles in Kittitas County, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to several charges.

Alcantara Gonzalez pleaded guilty Friday eight felonies including theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, identity theft, theft of two firearms, residential burglary, first-degree burglary and second-degree burglary.

“The murder of Ian Eckles is not among the crimes in the plea agreement signed on Friday, though Alcantara did admit to the theft of Eckles’ Toyota FJ (Cruiser) and the shotgun Eckles brought to the Liberty area to hunt turkeys,” Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office officials stated.

Prosecutors are delaying proceeding with the homicide charge but agreed to the plea deal to “ensure that Alcantara remains imprisoned and the community is protected,” sheriff’s office officials added. Delaying trial on the murder charge gives prosecutors time for extensive lab processing of evidence including blood and tissue, DNA, fingerprints and ballistics.

The sheriff’s office also continues to pursue information that could lead to the discovery of Eckle’s remains.

Wow. He will do it again when he gets out. This is not right.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Family of missing man who fell prey to dangerous fugitive in Kittitas County is raising money for rescuers who went looking for him

CLE ELUM - On Tuesday, Stefani Eckles, the sister of the late Ian Eckles, announced plans about her family raising money for the people who went looking for him after

www.ifiberone.com

Family of missing man who fell prey to dangerous fugitive in Kittitas County is raising money for rescuers who went looking for him​

On Tuesday, Stefani Eckles, the sister of the late Ian Eckles, announced plans about her family raising money for the people who went looking for him after he disappeared last year.

However, Eckles’ body has yet to be found after extensive searching by Kittitas County’s Search and Rescue crews. That’s why the Eckles family is holding a bake and store-bought goods sale at the Cle Elum Safeway on Sunday, May 16. The Eckles family will be selling Krispy Kreme donuts, treats from Costco, home-baked foods, and memorial rocks made to commemorate Ian’s life.

All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Kittitas County Search and Rescue.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

The Vanished podcast covered Ian's case. Haven't listened yet.

http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/episodes/2021/6/28/episode-292-ian-eckles-part-1-the-hunting-trip

http://www.thevanishedpodcast.com/episodes/2021/6/29/episode-293-ian-eckles-part-2-the-manhunt

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Homicide investigation underway after human remains found in Kittitas County

KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. — Sheriff’s deputies have launched a homicide investigation into human remains found Friday in a remote area of Kittitas County. “We believe that the person that we

www.yaktrinews.com

Homicide investigation underway after human remains found in Kittitas County​

Sheriff’s deputies have launched a homicide investigation into human remains found Friday in a remote area of Kittitas County.

“We believe that the person that we found was a victim of homicide,” Deputy Sheriff Chris Whitsett said. “We’re doing everything in our power to ensure that we identify this victim and preserve all the evidence possible to conduct an effective investigation for them.”

Whitsett said a hiker called 911 about 1:20 p.m. after finding something suspicious while recreating in the Stampede Pass area, which is near the border between Kittitas and King counties.

“One of our patrol deputies responded pretty quickly and was able to locate and identify what were obviously human remains,” Whitsett said.

Whitsett said evidence suggests foul play and investigators believe the victim has been dead for at least a few months. Deputies did not release further information about the location where the remains were found or any identifying characteristics.

“Due to the length of time the remains have been outside and the state of decomposition, the body was not immediately identifiable,” deputies said in a news release.

Whitsett said the sheriff’s office has not received any missing persons reports out of the Stampede Pass area, but is investigating the possibility the human remains may belong to Ian Eckles, who went missing out of the Liberty area in May 2020.

“It’s not impossible, based on what we know, that this could be Ian,” Whitsett said. “We haven’t ruled it out. It’s a possibility that we’re exploring.”

 

[Kimster]

Homicide investigation underway after human remains found in Kittitas County

KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. — Sheriff’s deputies have launched a homicide investigation into human remains found Friday in a remote area of Kittitas County. “We believe that the person that we

www.yaktrinews.com

Homicide investigation underway after human remains found in Kittitas County​

Sheriff’s deputies have launched a homicide investigation into human remains found Friday in a remote area of Kittitas County.

“We believe that the person that we found was a victim of homicide,” Deputy Sheriff Chris Whitsett said. “We’re doing everything in our power to ensure that we identify this victim and preserve all the evidence possible to conduct an effective investigation for them.”

Whitsett said a hiker called 911 about 1:20 p.m. after finding something suspicious while recreating in the Stampede Pass area, which is near the border between Kittitas and King counties.

“One of our patrol deputies responded pretty quickly and was able to locate and identify what were obviously human remains,” Whitsett said.

Whitsett said evidence suggests foul play and investigators believe the victim has been dead for at least a few months. Deputies did not release further information about the location where the remains were found or any identifying characteristics.

“Due to the length of time the remains have been outside and the state of decomposition, the body was not immediately identifiable,” deputies said in a news release.

Whitsett said the sheriff’s office has not received any missing persons reports out of the Stampede Pass area, but is investigating the possibility the human remains may belong to Ian Eckles, who went missing out of the Liberty area in May 2020.

“It’s not impossible, based on what we know, that this could be Ian,” Whitsett said. “We haven’t ruled it out. It’s a possibility that we’re exploring.”

Sounds like the remains are too recent to possibly be Cody Haynes.

Prayers for the loved ones who are about to learn what happened….

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Remains did not belong to Ian.

Human remains found in Kittitas County identified, possibly linked to a homicide

EVERETT, Wash. -- A 49-year-old Everett man has been identified after the Snohomish County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit (MCU) recovered the remains in Kittitas County. According to a press release, The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office MCU detectives recovered the remains of a 49-year-old...

kimatv.com

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Family of missing hunter requests unusual activity in forest near Cle Elum be reported

Investigators found evidence indicating Ian Eckles was killed but his body was never found. His family's top priority is laying him to rest with respect.

www.king5.com

Family of missing hunter requests unusual activity in forest near Cle Elum be reported​

Two years after a Kent man disappeared near Cle Elum, his family is still looking for answers and hoping for closure.

“Life goes by and you kind of feel stuck in the same moment,” said Nate Eckles, whose younger brother Ian Eckles was reported missing May 18, 2020. “Every day that passes, you just don't know where he is or if we'll ever be able to bring him home.”

“All the questions circle in my mind, and I really can’t find the answers,” said Nate Eckles. “Sometimes it’s so frustrating to think about one person holds the key. One person holds all the knowledge in their head to make this all come to a close and give us some closure, some peace of mind knowing we can bring him home and lay him to rest how he should be.”


Family and friends searched for Ian Eckles last weekend, and Nate Eckles said additional searches are planned this summer to try and find him.

The family urges anyone who goes out to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest to keep an eye out for anything unusual, such as trash in an abnormal spot or disturbed earth or bones, and report it to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office.

“We haven’t given up hope, and we’re going to look for him out there for as long as it takes,” said Nate Eckles.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Family of missing hunter requests unusual activity in forest near Cle Elum be reported

Investigators found evidence indicating Ian Eckles was killed but his body was never found. His family's top priority is laying him to rest with respect.

www.king5.com

Family of missing hunter requests unusual activity in forest near Cle Elum be reported​

Two years after a Kent man disappeared near Cle Elum, his family is still looking for answers and hoping for closure.

“Life goes by and you kind of feel stuck in the same moment,” said Nate Eckles, whose younger brother Ian Eckles was reported missing May 18, 2020. “Every day that passes, you just don't know where he is or if we'll ever be able to bring him home.”

“All the questions circle in my mind, and I really can’t find the answers,” said Nate Eckles. “Sometimes it’s so frustrating to think about one person holds the key. One person holds all the knowledge in their head to make this all come to a close and give us some closure, some peace of mind knowing we can bring him home and lay him to rest how he should be.”


Family and friends searched for Ian Eckles last weekend, and Nate Eckles said additional searches are planned this summer to try and find him.

The family urges anyone who goes out to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest to keep an eye out for anything unusual, such as trash in an abnormal spot or disturbed earth or bones, and report it to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office.

“We haven’t given up hope, and we’re going to look for him out there for as long as it takes,” said Nate Eckles.

Two years already. I wish he'd be found for his family's sake.

They really need a way or a severe penalty/punishment to make perps talk and give up the location of the victim(s) they kill.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Ian Eckles still missing after two years, his parents just want to find his body

Family and friends are planning more search parties this summer. Volunteers can join the 'Searching for Ian Eckles' Facebook page to help look.

www.nbcrightnow.com

Ian Eckles still missing after two years, his parents just want to find his body​

Ian never showed up to a turkey hunting camping trip with his friends around the Mineral Springs and Liberty area. Kittitas County Sheriff's Office believe he's dead.

Ian's parents, Sherry and Steve Eckles, said they just want closure, even if that means finding his body.

"I would always think he's going to walk through the door and at the beginning you don't want to believe it; you're just in denial and then later on, you do realize that he's gone," said Sherry.

"The police told us at the time that the amount of blood in the car would not have been survivable," said Steve.

The suspect for his murder, Jorge Alcantara-Gonzalez, is in prison but for other crimes. Steve said he hopes he can find his son so they can finally have the evidence to prove Jorge killed his son.

"It would just be like finally it's over, I would just like to have closure," said the Eckles.

Family and friends are planning more search parties this summer. Volunteers can join the 'Searching for Ian Eckles' Facebook page to help look.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

New social media page created to help in search for Ian Eckles

Two years after the largest manhunt in Washington state history unfolded in Kittitas County, family members of Ian Eckles are working to organize search efforts in Upper County as the

www.dailyrecordnews.com

New social media page created to help in search for Ian Eckles​

Two years after the largest manhunt in Washington state history unfolded in Kittitas County, family members of Ian Eckles are working to organize search efforts in Upper County as the effort enters its third summer.

Ian’s sister Stefanie Eckles said the family has created a new group on Facebook to help consolidate information and organize search efforts as the summer recreation season kicks off. She said a major goal of the page, called Searching for Ian Eckles, is to encourage recreators in the area where Ian was reported missing to keep their eyes peeled for any evidence that might help in the search.

“We’re trying to get it out there to that community of people that go out there recreating,” she said. “Whether it’s rockhounding, hiking, hunting, or camping. When you’re going to be out in the woods doing whatever you’re doing, if you are willing to keep your eye out while you’re out there.”

People who frequent the area where Eckles went missing can keep themselves current on the new social media page regarding the areas that have already been searched. Eckles said the hope is that if someone is visiting an area that hasn’t been combed over, they can report any findings they might come across.

“If you find something weird, a campsite that looks abandoned, any fishing gear, an abandoned bike, clothing, or a blanket, anything that looks out of place, you can report it there,” she said. “We can forward it to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office and have them go check it out. We’re just asking the community to keep their eyes open.”

As with the past two summers, Eckles said formal searches will take place, and the dates will be announced on the new page.

“We’ve already had some groups go out there at least twice this season,” she said of this year’s search effort. “If people would like to join in on the searches, the

Searching for Ian Eckles Facebook page is the central focus point where they can get that information.”


FACEBOOK GROUP - Searching for Ian Eckles | Facebook

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Missing man's sister urges vigilance in Kittitas County this Labor Day weekend

KITTITAS COUNTY — As families prepare to celebrate Labor Day weekend in and around Kittitas County, Stefanie Eckles, the sister of a man who went missing over three years ago,

www.yoursourceone.com

Missing man's sister urges vigilance in Kittitas County this Labor Day weekend​

As families prepare to celebrate Labor Day weekend in and around Kittitas County, Stefanie Eckles, the sister of a man who went missing over three years ago, has issued an earnest plea to the community.

Ian Eckles disappeared under mysterious circumstances on May 17, 2020, in Kittitas County. Years later, his loved ones are still grappling with the pain of not knowing what happened. In a heartfelt message, his sister has called upon those venturing outdoors this weekend to be especially vigilant.

"For those of you planning to enjoy the outdoors in Kittitas County this Labor Day weekend, please remember our beloved family member is still out there," she stated.

She further cautioned families, especially with children, to be alert. "There may still be evidence or even weapons concealed in places your kids might be exploring - like hollowed-out tree stumps, creek beds, or bushes. Please ensure they do not stumble upon anything that might be harmful, either physically or mentally."

Anyone who comes across suspicious items is urged to capture a photograph and record the GPS location. If a weapon, potential human remains, or a shallow grave is discovered, the immediate action of contacting the police is crucial.

In situations where there's uncertainty about an item's relevance, such as torn blankets or clothing, individuals are encouraged to send the photo and location to Eckles' sister via Facebook messenger, which she can then pass on to the relevant authorities.

The troubling mystery surrounding Ian Eckles' disappearance deepened when Jorge Alcantara-Gonzalez became a person of interest. Gonzalez admitted to stealing Eckles' SUV around the time he vanished. He also confessed to a series of burglary and theft crimes, which culminated in a manhunt by law enforcement.

While Jorge is currently serving a 96-month prison sentence for his admitted crimes, he has not yet been charged in connection to Eckles' disappearance, despite suspicions.

Eckles' sister ended her message with a somber warning, "Please be alert out there and keep your family close. We tragically discovered that the woods aren't always a safe place."

Anyone recreating in the areas around Mineral Springs, the Teanaway, Blewett Pass, or Liberty is asked to be on the lookout for evidence that could reveal the location of Ian Eckles’ remains.