DNA evidence has helped solve a 1962 double homicide near Battle Ground, marking the oldest cold case resolution in Clark County Sheriff’s Office history.
Investigators identified Barton M. Stebbins and Walter Stain as suspects in the killings of Charles Hale, 71, and Lester McCollum, 67, who were found dead on June 24, 1962. The final DNA breakthrough came Oct. 1, 2026, more than 64 years after the murders.
Although both suspects died before the investigation concluded and cannot face prosecution, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Cold Case Team believes the findings provide long-awaited answers for the victims’ families…