Margaret Helen Schmidt, 61, was found dead in her Hillsboro home at 375 Southeast Walnut Street on April 19, 1991. A caregiver who arrived that day discovered her; the cause of death was ruled strangulation. Early investigation suggested a robbery, but evidence later pointed to a far more violent crime.

A shoe print at the scene was later matched to a pair of Reebok sneakers owned by Cesar Barone. Investigators concluded Barone had broken into Schmidt’s home, sexually assaulted her, strangled her and taken some money. Barone was indicted in April 1993 in connection with the killing as part of a series of charges tying him to multiple murders in the Portland–Hillsboro area.