The person suffered a gunshot wound to the head, and the state medical examiner’s autopsy determined that the manner of death was homicide. The victim was also identified as 43-year-old Salem resident Priscilla Joann Aldana, who was reported missing. On Dec. 23, 2024, Aldana was reported missing.
Aldana was later recognized as the victim found outside a burned-out building on an abandoned lot on January 3.
Detectives identified Erik Mauricio Meza as a suspect in the case after looking into Aldana’s disappearance. Aldana was in a domestic relationship with Meza, a 44-year-old Salem resident.
On Thursday night, January 9, Meza was caught without incident in the 500 block of 18 ST NE by detectives and a group of tactical cops who were pursuing him.
Meza was lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:
• Murder, second degree
• Abuse of a corpse, second degree
• Arson, second degree
With Meza in custody, all further media all further inquiries in the case should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
