On Friday, December 27, 2024, at approximately 7:10 AM, a search warrant was executed on the 200 block of NW 7th Street, in Newport as an investigative effort into the disappearance of 31-year old Ryan Staggs, who was the owner of Happy Motors. Staggs went missing in late January 2022 after being last seen at his residence on NW 55th Street in Newport.
According to the probable cause statement 60-year old Jack Baird was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on a felony offense of abuse of a corpse in connection with the disappearance of Staggs. His bail is set at $500,000.
Newport police along with Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputies conducted a missing persons investigation on Friday at Mr. Baird's home on 7th street. At this time Baird has not been charged with Staggs' disappearance, the arrest affidavit shows connections between Baird and Staggs. There was also information regarding Baird renting a backhoe for two days to reportedly fix plumbing issues at his home.
The incident remains under investigation by the Lincoln County Major Crime Team. Baird's preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 7th. If you or anyone you know has information related to the disappearance of Ryan Staggs, please contact the Newport Police Tip Line at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.
