July 22, 2022 4:20 a.m.

A Riddle man has been charged in connection with the disappearance and murder of 18-year old Kendra Hanks of Winston, who went missing on July 7th.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday at approximately 3:30 p.m. detectives from DCSO along with investigators from the Douglas County Major Crimes Team contacted 39-year old Troy Phelps at a residence in the 1500 block of Pruner Road. O’Dell said Phelps had become a person of interest in the disappearance of Hanks.

Phelps was taken into custody after speaking with detectives. A search warrant was also executed at the suspect’s residence.

O’Dell said on July 13th at approximately 3:30 p.m., DCSO was notified of a deceased person found in Cow Creek along the 9000 block of Cow Creek Road. Investigators responded to the scene and confirmed the death of an adult female, which is suspected to be Kendra Hanks. The body was transported to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office the next day. The death was ultimately ruled a homicide. DCSO is awaiting positive identification.

O’Dell said DCSO has been and continues to be in communication with Hank’s mother, who is aware of the latest developments in the case.

Phelps was taken to jail and was also charged with second-degree kidnapping and resisting arrest. He is being held without bail.

Hanks was reported as missing after she failed to return home from work. She was last seen walking towards Winston from her job on Ingram Drive near Interstate 5.

O’Dell said additional details surrounding the investigation are being withheld to protect its integrity. Anyone with information that would aid investigators is urged to contact DCSO at 440-4464.