Salem, OR — A 44-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of 43-year-old Priscilla Aldana, whose body was found earlier this month in a vacant lot in Salem.
The investigation began on January 3, 2025, when Salem police discovered Aldana’s remains outside a burned structure in the 3000 block of Lancaster Drive SE, near Meadowlark Estates. The victim was identified as Aldana, who had been reported missing on December 23, 2024.
An autopsy conducted by the state medical examiner confirmed that Aldana died from a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities believe the circumstances surrounding her death were suspicious, leading to a thorough investigation.
Detectives soon focused their attention on 44-year-old Erik Meza, who was in a relationship with Aldana at the time of her disappearance. As the investigation unfolded, police gathered evidence linking Meza to the crime.
On January 9, 2025, officers located Meza at a residence in the 500 block of 18th Street NE and arrested him without incident. Meza was booked into the Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, second-degree abuse of a corpse, and second-degree arson.
The arrest marks a significant development in the case, which had drawn public concern due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding Aldana’s death. Authorities continue to investigate the case, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings unfold.
Meza is currently being held in jail pending further investigation and trial.
