Christopher M. Libert, 40, of Portland, was found dead on April 1, 2017 near the Dougan Falls Bridge along the Washougal River, about 17 miles northeast of Washougal, Washington. An autopsy determined he died of both gunshot and stab wounds; investigators believe the killing occurred the evening of March 31, 2017. Reports describe at least 11 stab wounds and a gunshot wound to the head.

Tire tracks beside a pool of blood at the scene became a key lead. Deputies traced those impressions to the Portland home of Benjamin C. Serrato, also 40, an acquaintance and roommate of Libert. Serrato was arrested and charged with first-degree domestic violence murder. Court filings say the two had been boyfriends and that Serrato was reportedly upset by a new romantic relationship Libert had formed with a woman; prosecutors described jealousy and an ultimatum in their relationship.

Serrato initially told deputies he drove Libert to Dougan Falls to kill himself, but the nature of the injuries was inconsistent with suicide. At his first court appearance, bail was set at $2 million and prosecutors called him a flight risk. Did anyone who knew Christopher or his circle around Portland in 2017 notice signs of escalating tension leading up to March 31?