Missing Beaverton Nurse Found Dead; Neighbor Arrested

Beaverton, Ore. – A Beaverton nurse who went missing last week has been found dead, and a neighbor has been arrested in connection with her death.

The body of 27-year-old Ashley Carlson was found in a wooded area near her home on Thursday, according to the Beaverton Police Department.

An autopsy determined that Carlson died from blunt force trauma to the head.

A 35-year-old neighbor, Michael Slagle, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with Carlson's death.

Slagle appeared in court on Friday and was ordered held without bail.

According to police, Slagle and Carlson had a previous relationship.

Police believe Slagle killed Carlson in her home and then disposed of her body in the wooded area.

Carlson was a nurse at the Beaverton Kaiser Permanente Medical Center.

She was last seen leaving her home on foot on the evening of July 10.

Her disappearance sparked a massive search effort by police and volunteers.

Carlson's family and friends are devastated by her death.

They described her as a kind and compassionate person who was always willing to help others.

"Ashley was a beautiful person inside and out," said her mother, Linda Carlson. "She was always smiling and always had a positive attitude."

"She was the best daughter anyone could ask for," said her father, Eric Carlson. "We are going to miss her so much."

A memorial service for Carlson will be held on Saturday, July 23, at the Beaverton Community Center.

The family has asked that donations be made to the Oregon Nurses Foundation in Carlson's memory.