Evelyn Weaver’s mother, friend react to arrest of Canadian man in Bend woman’s killing nearly two years ago
Barney Lerten
(Update: Adding video, comments from victim’s mother, friend, neighbor)
Police release few details but find ‘no indication’ suspect, victim knew each other
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Canadian man whose extradition is being sought by the United States has been arrested and detained in Canada in connection with the July 2023 killing of Evelyn Jeanette Weaver, Bend Police announced Thursday.
News of an arrest in the long-unsolved case brought some sense of relief for the woman’s family and friends, who shared a few thoughts with KTVZ News.
After an extensive investigation, Bend Police identified 25-year-old Cole Nikolaus Sinclair as the suspect in the July 18, 2023 killing of Weaver, whose car was found in Klamath Falls two days later, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.
Sinclair was provisionally arrested on December 17, 2024, under Canada’s extradition process and remains detained in Canada at this time, pending the outcome of his extradition proceedings, Miller said.
“At this time, the Bend Police Department is not releasing further information due to legal restrictions,” Miller said in a news release.
However, she did add: “There is no indication at this time that Weaver and Sinclair knew one another.”
Weaver, 28, was found dead in her home on NW Hill Street, and authorities soon called it a homicide. But they have released few details since due to the ongoing investigation, bringing questions and frustration for family and friends who were desperate for answers.
Weaver’s mother, Dana Weaver, told us the arrest brought some sense of relief, and thanked authorities who have been doggedly pursuing the case.
“I am so very grateful for the Bend PD and DA for their continuous efforts,” she said. “I have been so impressed with the Police Department for all their hard work and amazing accomplishments. Praying for a successful extradition, so that the DA can finally bring Justice for Evy.”
A friend of Evelyn Weaver, Catherina Alyse, also shared her thoughts:
“We’re all processing this news, and as it brings up complicated feelings, we are thankful to know that he has been arrested and that the process for justice is underway.”
“My personal hope is that he will be extradited soon and held accountable in Bend. From what I can see in his documented history, he demonstrated escalating violence towards his community and had just been released without consequences a few months before he killed Evy.”
“His actions were reckless and without regard towards life, and he should be held fully responsible and given the full ramifications of the consequences for this unforgivable act he chose to take,” Alyse added.
A neighbor of Weaver, Andy Coughlin, said it was “sad that this case had been unsolved for so long, and I think a lot of us are relieved that it seems to be progressing, that it seems like the Bend Police Department has a good lead on this suspect, and hopefully justice can prevail.
Evelyn Weaver graduated from the University of Oregon and worked as a scientist at Lonza in Bend.
Miller said, “Bend Police wish to thank the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division, the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office and other agencies for their assistance in this investigation.”
“This remains an open, active investigation,” she added.
Police also released a photo of Sinclair and made a request of the public: If you recognize Sinclair or had any encounters with him, you’re asked to contact non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 and request to speak with Detective Sgt. Tommy Russell.
While local officials were limited in the information they released, CBC News on Thursday reported other details in the case, saying Sinclair is from Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon territory in northern Canada, where he was arrested last December.
CBC said Sinclair faces nine Deschutes County charges, including first-degree murder, robbery, burglary and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
While most court documents in the case are sealed, CBC News said it was able to access some documents that revealed more information.
At the time of his arrest, Sinclair was living in a Whitehorse treatment facility after being found not criminally responsible due to an untreated psychotic disorder for charges related to attempted break-ins in April of 2023 and several bail breaches, including leaving the Yukon territory between July 1 and 26 of 2023.
Sinclair’s lawyer in Whitehorse sought sealing of orders and publication bans of allegations and evidence that could be presented during extradition proceedings, CBC News reported.
It also said a letter of support was filed from Sinclair’s Bend attorney, Todd Grover. The partially redacted letter lists the charges Sinclair faces in Deschutes County, including three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree robbery, and one count of first-degree burglary and unauthorized use of a vehicle.