After a monthlong investigation into the death of a disabled adult living in Scappoose, his caretakers have been charged with murder.

Scappoose police officers responded March 9 to a report of the death of 34-year-old Benjamin David Murphy, who died on or about March 6, according to court documents.

Murphy was under the guardianship of his mother, Katherine Ann Raina, 63, due to multiple medical conditions, including autism and cerebral palsy, court documents state. His sister, 31-year-old Hillary Clare Murphy, was also involved in his care, according to a press release from the police department.

Raina was given guardianship over Benjamin Murphy in 2009. In Oregon, guardians are required to submit annual reports detailing the condition of the person in their care and the ways in which the guardian fulfilled their duties. Raina’s most recent report was filed in February 2024.

“Benjamin is living a happy, self-determined life full of family, friends, pets and activities that he loves, enjoying stable health and wellbeing. He is cared for with utmost consistency and excellence,” Raina wrote in the 2024 report.

After law enforcement responded in March, an investigation into Benjamin Murphy’s death ensued, involving the collaborative efforts of the Columbia County Major Crimes Team, a multiagency unit involving the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, St. Helens Police Department, Columbia County District Attorney’s Office and the Scappoose Police Department.

“As the investigation progressed, evidence indicated the death was not due to natural causes, but the result of criminal actions,” the release stated.

On April 9, Raina and Hillary Murphy were arrested and charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, criminally negligent homicide, first-degree criminal mistreatment and second-degree abuse of a corpse in the Columbia County Circuit Court. Both of the accused were taken into custody at the Columbia County jail.

Raina and Hillary Murphy face allegations that they withheld necessary medical care from Benjamin Murphy, and that his death was the result of “intentional torture”, according to court documents.

Investigators are seeking additional information on the case, and those with relevant details are urged to contact St. Helens Police Department Detective Matthew Smith at the nonemergency number of 503-397-1521 referencing Scappoose Police Department case #250010675.