September 15, 2009

HR killing could be linked to robbery

By RaeLynn Ricarte
The Hood River News

     Hood River County District Attorney John Sewell believes last week’s murder of the Vagabond Lodge owner might be related to a robbery – but that is about all he’s saying about the case.
     “There is an active homicide investigation underway so I really can’t talk about the evidence that is being gathered,” he said in a Monday interview.
Jerry Cranmer, 54, was found shot to death in the office of the Westcliff Drive motel about 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 10. Sewell said the victim’s body was discovered by a family member, who then reported the fatality to the emergency dispatch center.
     Sewell said an undisclosed amount of money was later determined to be missing from a cash register in the business. He declined to affirm or deny whether the missing cash totaled $300 as stated in a weekend media report.
The Vagabond is located near Interstate 84 and Sewell said the unknown suspect could have been a passing motorist who was drawn to the site by convenience.
     “Obviously, the proximity to the freeway is a factor that has to be considered in this case,” he said.
     He said law enforcement officials did not recover the murder weapon during a search of the facility and the grounds. An autopsy of Cranmer’s body in Portland one day after the homicide confirmed that he had died from a gunshot wound.
Sewell declined to reveal the caliber of the bullet or the type of gun that was used by the suspect to perpetuate the crime.
     “We are asking anyone who noticed any activity along Westcliff either before or after the homicide to give us a call. We appreciate all of the leads that we get since even a random piece of information often turns out to be useful,” he said.
     To relay information about the Cranmer case call Detective Matt English at 387-7048 or the sheriff’s office hotline at 386-2098, ext. 8113.
     A memorial service for Cranmer will be held at 3 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21, at the Hood River Alliance Church, 2650 Montello Ave., Hood River.
     Private graveside rites will follow at Idlewilde Cemetery. Public viewing and visitation for family and friends is planned Saturday, Sept. 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Anderson’s Tribute Center.