Sex offender arrested for ‘violent’ murder of woman, 89, whose body was found in trunk of his car

Timothy J Mackley, 58, was charged with murder after allegedly killing an elderly woman and driving around with her body in the trunk of his car

A registered sex offender has been charged with murder over the ‘violent’ death of Marcine Herinck, 89, who had been missing since last week.

Timothy J Mackley was identified as a person of interest on Monday, after an initial investigation into Herinck’s disappearance suggested there was no foul play.

Police received information that suggested something had gone awry on Monday, and quickly identified Mackley, 58, as a suspect.

Mackley was pulled over by officers soon after, and Ms Herinck’s body was found in the trunk of his Toyota Camry.

Mackley was charged and is being held without bail at the Multnomah County Jail.

When he appeared in court on Wednesday, Mackley pleaded not guilty.

Police and medical examiners have not been able to positively identify Ms Herinck in an official capacity, but the woman’s family have been notified of her death, and officers say the body is ‘likely’ hers.  

The Medical Examiner determined the woman died of ‘homicidal violence’.

Herinck was volunteering at Portland Adventist Community Services before she disappeared earlier this month, and workers at the service center say this may have been where she first came into Mackley’s sights.

The elderly woman had logged more than 1,900 hours stocking shelves in the attached thrift store since she began working there in 2014, Oregon Live reported.

Marcine Herinck, 89, disappeared last week after finishing her shift at a charity thrift store

Herinck had logged more than 1,900 hours stocking shelves there, and it's believed she met Mackley on the day she went missing

Marcine Herinck, 89, disappeared last week after finishing her shift at a charity thrift store. Herinck had logged more than 1,900 hours stocking shelves there, and it’s believed she met Mackley on the day she went missing

She is believed to have met Mackley that day, and authorities suspect the 58-year-old followed her home after her shift. 

When she first disappeared, her son Josh told KATU News he had gone to see his mother and found the house empty – with no sign she was planning to leave.

Josh said the front door and the garage door of the home was open, and Herinck had left behind her wallet, cell phone and keys. 

In her microwave sat a cup of cold coffee.  

A Facebook page set up to help find Ms Herinck was turned into a memorial page on Tuesday night, and family announced her body had been found.

‘It is with deepest sorrow that we share with you that the beloved Marcine has been found and is no longer with us,’ a statement posted to the page read.

‘On behalf of the family, we would like to thank all those that spent countless hours searching and praying to bring her home. 

‘Marcine will be remembered for her soft, gentle spirit and the life she lived dedicated to others. 

‘Thank you for your love, support, and continued prayers. Please respect the family’s request for privacy at this time.’  

Mackley (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to the devastating killing. A message from Herinck's family says the woman would be remembered for 'her soft, gentle spirit and the life she lived dedicated to others'

Mackley (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to the devastating killing. A message from Herinck’s family says the woman would be remembered for ‘her soft, gentle spirit and the life she lived dedicated to others’

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