PORTLAND, Ore. — A missing-person case that began in Northeast Portland in January 2024 has ended with an Oregon man admitting his role in the death of his fiancée.
Jon French, 35, pleaded no contest to first-degree manslaughter on Friday, Sept. 4, in connection with the death of 47-year-old Jeannie Enyeart. He also pleaded guilty to second-degree abuse of a corpse.
French is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 14, according to reports.
Enyeart had been reported missing from her Northeast Portland home, prompting investigators to begin looking into her disappearance and the circumstances surrounding her last known whereabouts.
When Portland police spoke with French, he allegedly told investigators that he had seen Enyeart the previous day and indicated that her vehicle should be at their home.
That information would later become an important part of the investigation.
Enyeart’s Vehicle Found Near Washington Road
Enyeart’s vehicle was eventually discovered on a rural road near Stevenson, Washington, after it struck a snowbank. Investigators learned that the vehicle had been towed from the area.
French reportedly attempted to claim the vehicle but was denied because he was not the registered owner. The investigation took another disturbing turn when authorities examined the vehicle and discovered Enyeart’s body in the back seat.
Her body was decomposing and concealed beneath a blanket and large items, according to court records cited in reports. Police also found French’s driver’s license and wallet on the floor of the driver’s side of the vehicle.
The discovery gave investigators additional evidence to examine as they worked to reconstruct what happened to Enyeart after she disappeared.
Autopsy Reveals Cause of Enyeart’s Death
An autopsy determined that Enyeart died from blunt force trauma to the neck.
Investigators also found evidence inside the Portland home shared by the couple. A ceramic mug had been shattered on the bedroom floor, according to reports.
A shard from the mug was found lodged in Enyeart’s back. Court records indicated that the shard most likely ended up there after her death.
The evidence helped investigators build a case surrounding Enyeart’s death and the events that followed.
French was arrested on Feb. 5, 2024, as authorities continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
Family Says Relationship Had Become Troubled
Enyeart’s death has left her family searching for answers about what happened during the final weeks of her life.
Her younger sister, Kristin Eddy, told KGW8 that the family began noticing problems between Enyeart and French around December, shortly before Enyeart disappeared.
“We just had a feeling that things weren’t going well in the relationship,” Eddy said.
According to Eddy, Enyeart reassured her family that everything was okay. But her sister believes Enyeart may have been trying to support French despite whatever difficulties he was experiencing.
“She reassured us that everything was okay but I think that is who Jeannie was. You know, I think whatever he was going through. She wanted to help him.”
The family’s concerns would later take on a tragic significance after Enyeart was found dead.
French Faces Sentencing After Plea
French’s no-contest plea to first-degree manslaughter and guilty plea to second-degree abuse of a corpse bring the case closer to sentencing.
The court is expected to sentence him on Sept. 14, according to the Oregonian.
Enyeart, a mother of two, disappeared more than two years ago, leaving her family and investigators with unanswered questions. The discovery of her body in the back of the vehicle ultimately revealed the grim outcome of the disappearance.
While the case has now reached the plea stage, Enyeart’s family continues to live with the loss of a woman they say was caring and willing to help others, even when her own relationship appeared to be facing difficulties.
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