The Disappearance and Tragic Case of Luke Aaron Tredway

 


May 23, 1984 – Disappearance

Luke Tredway was last seen leaving a friend's house in Portland, Oregon, at approximately 5:15 p.m. to walk home—a short distance away. He never arrived. His mother, who was nine months pregnant at the time, reported him missing to the police at 7:00 p.m. However, authorities did not initiate a search until around 1:00 a.m. the following day. Search efforts included neighbors, National Guard and Explorer volunteers, police reservists, and dogs. Two bloodhounds tracked Luke's scent to a Portland intersection, leading authorities to believe he was either picked up by a vehicle or boarded a bus. Despite extensive efforts, no trace of Luke was found. rcccmcc.com+5The Charley Project+5Websleuths+5Casetext+2Websleuths+2The Charley Project+2The Lewiston Tribunercccmcc.com

1984–1996 – Investigation and Public Awareness

Luke's case received significant attention. His face appeared on milk cartons, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received numerous leads and reported sightings from across the country. Despite these efforts, Luke remained missing, and his case grew cold. rcccmcc.com

August 1996 – Confession by Douglas Franklin Wright

In August 1996, Douglas Franklin Wright, a convicted serial killer awaiting execution, confessed to the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of Luke Tredway. Wright stated that on May 23, 1984, he abducted Luke at random while the boy was walking home. He lured Luke into his car under the pretense of car trouble, then took him to his apartment, where he held him captive for 36 hours, sexually assaulted him, and ultimately shot him six times in the head. Wright claimed to have buried Luke's body in a remote area near Mount Hood, close to the Wasco County line. A search of the area failed to locate Luke's remains. Authorities believe Wright's confession was credible, despite the lack of physical evidence. The Lewiston Tribune+4rcccmcc.com+4Booksie+4The Lewiston Tribune+4Websleuths+4The Charley Project+4

September 6, 1996 – Execution of Douglas Franklin Wright

Douglas Franklin Wright was executed by lethal injection on September 6, 1996, marking Oregon's first execution in 34 years. He had waived all appeals and requested the execution. In his final statements, Wright expressed a desire to do "one good thing" before his death by confessing to Luke's murder. He invited the Tredway family to witness his execution, but they declined. Booksie+4The Charley Project+4Websleuths+4The Lewiston Tribune+1Websleuths+1

Douglas Franklin Wright – Background

Douglas Franklin Wright had a history of violent crimes:

Impact and Legacy

Luke Tredway's case remains a tragic example of child abduction and murder. Despite Wright's confession, Luke's body has never been recovered, leaving his family without closure. The case highlights the importance of timely response in missing child cases and the need for continued efforts in child safety and protection.

Investigating Agency


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