Suspect makes court appearance

Bighaus lived in the woods near Sandy

By Jim Hart

The Sandy Post, Dec 29, 2009, Updated Dec 29, 2009 (12 Reader comments)

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The suspect in the alleged murder of Vivian F. Bighaus, 66, is her son, Michael S. Bighaus, 41, who first appeared at 3 p.m. Monday in the courtroom of Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Thomas J. Rastetter.

During that video appearance, while Bighaus was lodged in the Clackamas County Jail, he was told the charges against him included murder and a probation violation for driving while intoxicated.

Deputy District Attorney Greg Horner said a Clackamas County grand jury would soon consider the evidence and determine the exact charges to be filed against Bighaus. He is expected to be prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Dave Paul.

Sandy police assist

While the Bighaus family home is under the jurisdiction of deputies from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, one officer from the Sandy Police Department was the second law enforcement officer to arrive at the home on Fernwood Circle, about 10 miles east of Sandy.

According to a spokesperson for the Sandy Police Department, the officer was familiar with the family and the suspect, and he was initially called to assist in securing the area.

Later in the day, several Sandy officers assisted in searching a home in Sandy, which had been identified as a location where Bighaus might be staying.

Highway 26 closed

While the Christmas Day search continued for Bighaus, who was reported armed and on foot in the woods near his parents’ home, deputies closed Highway 26 in both directions for several hours, establishing a Marmot Road detour away from the search area.

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