One Month Later: Investigators Still Seeking Suspects, Information on Florence Boatwright Murder

Florence and her Husband Joe had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary two days before her tragic and senseless death Nov. 28th.

(SALEM) - One month ago Thursday, a southeast Salem neighborhood was shocked and dismayed over the death of a longtime resident and beloved friend Florence Boatwright. Boatwright, 77, was found strangled Nov. 28th in her home at 403 45th Ave. SE, and investigators think the slaying occurred during a burglary. Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the home by a 9-1-1 call at about 3:30 AM, said Marion County Deputy District Attorney Matt Kemmy. Her Husband, Joe Boatwright, was home at the time of the murder, but is not being considered as a suspect, Kemmy said. Kemmy confirmed that the Boatwrights had reported a burglary in their home on Oct. 11th. Witnesses in past robberies in the area provided the descriptions to police artists earlier this year. One of the persons depicted is a white female, approximately 5 feet, 5 inches tall, and in her early- to mid-40s. A male suspect is approximately 5 feet, 6 inches, and about 40, with a medium build. Florence grew up in Salem and lived at the home for the past 50 years. She was a long-time member of Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on State Street. Pastor John Maas said Florence was a focused, faithful, dedicated woman. Mass said he met with Joe and one of his daughters last week, who are emotionally destroyed by the violent crime. Joe, who suffers from numerous health problems, was being cared for by Florence, and has now moved to Hillsboro to live with one of his daughters. Joe and Florence had been married for 60 years. Marion County Sheriff spokesman Mike Sommers says investigators have gotten several tips, and detectives are currently following up on leads, but so far nothing has led to an arrest. Sommer said that everyone associated with the case is becoming frustrated that an arrest hasn’t be made yet. “Someone out there knows who did this and we need them to come forward” Sommer said. The Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Florence’s death. Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is also offering a $1,500 reward. Anyone with information regarding the Florence Boatwright murder should call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (503) 540-8007 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) or (503) 588-5032 (24-hour non-emergency dispatch). If you would like to send Joe Boatwright a letter of encouragement you can do so by sending it to Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, PMB 286, 581 Lancaster Drive SE, Salem, Oregon 97301