The Search Continues for Lori Blaylock at Detroit Lake

Searchers may return to the area if new information or evidence is developed.

Deputy Gelatt explains where searchers amassed along the North Santiam River this weekend, looking for any sign of a missing Bend woman. Photo: MCSO

(SALEM, Ore.) - Approximately 115 volunteers and public safety personnel participated in Saturday's search for the body of Lori Blaylock. The search included 6 miles of the Santiam River as it feeds into the east end of Detroit Lake, and an additional 4.5 miles of shoreline on the lake, which is about 50 miles east of Salem.

Lori Blaylock was last seen in October 28, 2010 when she was reported missing from her residence in Bend, Oregon. Some of her clothing was found along the Santiam River.

Her husband, Steven Blaylock, says she walked away from their home. He has been arrested, charged with murder in his wife's disappearance and is pending trial. He has pleaded not guilty.

Sheriff's Deputies from Marion, Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Linn and Benton Counties, were joined in the search by fire personnel from the Salem & Albany Fire & Rescue Squads. The volunteer Search & Rescue teams from each county also participated in the effort.

Marion County Officer Don Thompson said there was no new information but officials incorporated an area where a body believed to be Blaylock's was last seen by kayakers.

Scores of searchers spent the weekend looking for Blaylock

A command center was established at the lake. Incident Commander, Sgt. Bill Sherburn was assisted by Marion County deputies John Gelatt and Brian Sutter.

Detectives Jason Maniscalco & Pat Hartley from Bend Police Department met with the searchers at 8:00 a.m. and, on behalf of the Bend Police Department and the family of Lori Blaylock, thanked them for their participation.

Four boats were used to search the shorelines of the lake, and four cadaver dogs were used to search the riverbank and other areas.

The search conditions were extremely difficult. The weather included snow, rain and sleet, and the area being searched was steep, wet and densely forested.

No major discoveries were made Saturday, though a number of items were collected. They will be examined further to determine if they have any relevance to the Blaylock case.

The searchers at Detroit Lake ended their day at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and they concluded Sunday operations at 2:00 p.m.

Unfortunately, nothing new was discovered during Sunday's search.

Officials say a forensic anthropologist did examine a number of small bones that were discovered during this weekend's search. None was determined to be from a human.

Approximately 1635 man-hours were devoted to the search in the past two days.

Sgt. Sherburn commented, "I'd like to recognize the United States Forest Service for providing cabins for some searchers, and the Oregon State Parks for opening 60 camping sites to the others. This was an excellent example of inter-agency cooperation; maximizing the efficiency of the search effort."

Both the Bend Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Office extend their appreciation to all the searchers; including volunteers and public safety officials.