Washington County authorities reexamining 1994 unsolved murder of Gaston woman

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Thirty-one years after the unsolved death of a Gaston woman, authorities in Washington County are getting another chance to examine the case.

On Thursday, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office announced the agency was awarded a $14,000 grant from the Oregon Cold Case Investigators Association to conduct forensic testing in an effort to solve the 1994 murder of Veta Hardebeck.

On February 16, 1994, 85-year-old Hardebeck was found dead outside of her home in rural Gaston, Oregon.

Hardebeck lived alone, and authorities initially believed she died from a medical condition or an accident; however, an autopsy led officials to determine her death was a homicide.

While investigators did extensive work on the case, it remained unsolved for years. Now, with help from the inaugural OCCIA/Brother’s Car Collection Cold Case Grant, authorities say they can reexamine the case.

“Providing justice on unsolved murders is a priority,” said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton. “No matter how much time has passed, we want victims and perpetrators to know that we will continue to work to solve these cases. We are very grateful for the support from the Brother’s Car Collection and OCCIA to help make this happen.”

“We are grateful to the Brother’s Car Collection and OCCIA for this award. Forensic testing capabilities have dramatically changed in the last 30 years, and we are hopeful this funding will provide new leads into Veta’s murder,” added Senior Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office noted the agency received federal funding in 2020 to launch its Cold Case Unit.

The unit has found 14 homicides eligible for review, including the 1988 murder of Deborah Atrops.

The District Attorney’s Office asks anyone with information on the case to contact law enforcement.