Salem Victim Identified: Death Ruled Homicide & Suspect Arrested

SALEM, Ore. — The body found in the Salem Business District on January 3, regarded as a suspicious death, has been identified. The Salem Police Department confirmed yesterday that the death of Priscilla Joann Aldana, 43, of Salem, is regarded as a homicide, and police have arrested a man who was in a domestic relationship with Aldana.

Salem Woman Killed By Domestic Partner

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s autopsy on the body of Aldana, which was found outside a burned structure on an abandoned lot in Salem, established that the cause of death was homicide. Aldana, who was reported missing on December 23, 2024, had a gunshot wound to the head.

Investigators identified Erik Mauricio Meza, 44, of Salem, who was in a domestic relationship with Aldana, as a suspect in the case. Supported by a contingent of tactical officers, detectives followed Meza.

They apprehended him without incident in the 500 block of 18 ST NE on Thursday night. Meza has been charged with Murder in the second degree, Abuse of a corpse in the second degree, and Arson in the second degree.

Meza was lodged at the Marion County Jail, and the Marion County District Attorney’s Office is handling the case.