Cornelius family deaths solved after 18-month probe
Sheriff's office confirms mother of three killed children and herself in April 2025, closing a case that left a local community reeling.
By Thabo Hoffmann ·
A Washington County Sheriff's Office news release on Monday confirmed the final findings in a case that began nearly two years ago. Investigators determined that Hong Phuong Le, 37, killed her three children before taking her own life.
The discovery occurred on April 8, 2025, when a caller reported multiple dead bodies inside a residence near the 300 block of North 15th Avenue in Cornelius. Deputies arrived to find Le and her sons, Thanh Tien Dam, 7, and Ha Ngan Dam, 5, along with her daughter, Viena Mai Dam, 2, dead at the scene.
Detectives initially suspected Le was responsible for the children's deaths but withheld that information from the public. To validate their suspicions, they requested DNA comparison testing from the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division. That agency completed the analysis in May and sent the results to the sheriff's office Violent Crimes Unit.
The Washington County District Attorney's Office finished its independent review of the evidence on November 3. The prosecutor's findings matched those of the detectives, prompting the sheriff's office to officially close the investigation.
The tragedy prompted a gathering of about 100 residents last year for a candlelight vigil at Cornelius Elementary School. The two older children attended that school, and community leaders used the event to express support for the extended family. Attendees distributed kindness rocks as a symbol of unity during the mourning period.
Principal Angella Graves spoke to the crowd at the vigil. "It's really hard to imagine what happened. We don't want to imagine what happened, but it's really important that that family keeps going and they are part of us. They're in our heart. They are part of our family, here at Cornelius," she said.
In the Monday release, authorities stated they hope the conclusion provides a measure of closure to those affected. They also thanked the community for its patience while investigators ensured a thorough review of all available forensic evidence.
