Man Found Dead in Ariel in November Believed to Have Been Killed in Woodland—Klog 100.7 News

It is believed that a Portland man found dead along Lewis River Road in Ariel last November was killed in Woodland.

45-year-old Joseph Klimas, from Vancouver, has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 46-year-old Cesar Reyes in the head and neck before dumping his body on a logging road.

The Daily News reports that Klimas was arrested after an inmate provided a tip during a recorded jail call. Weeks after Reyes’ body was discovered, the Vancouver Police Department contacted the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, revealing that Klimas had called an inmate in Clark County who was facing a murder charge. During the conversation, Klimas reportedly admitted to “doing something similar” and mentioned a person named “Pelon,” which was a nickname used by Reyes.

In January, an inmate at the Cowlitz County Jail came forward with additional information, claiming that Reyes was shot and killed near a slough at the 1100 block of Whalen Road. The inmate also said he had received text messages from Klimas, offering to purchase a gun and ammunition from him in Woodland the day before the murder reportedly occurred.

The inmate further stated that Klimas shot Reyes because Reyes was sharing information Klimas did not want made public.