A man and his sister in Klamath Falls are facing multiple charges after authorities say a man was kidnapped, tortured and killed last week.
Police said 34-year-old Reggie Townsend and his sister, Jamie Harrington, were charged in connection with the death of Kolton Esparza. Officers arrested Townsend on Saturday after Esparza’s body was discovered inside a vacant house on Cypress Avenue.
According to investigators, the victim was found naked and bound with rope, showing signs of torture and severe head trauma. Authorities said they were led to Townsend after Harrington told police she had driven Townsend, Esparza and another man to the Eulolona Trailhead. Esparza reportedly asked to be dropped off somewhere else, but Townsend and Harrington allegedly refused.
Harrington later picked up Townsend and the unidentified man on Cypress Avenue, where police say Esparza’s body was later found in an abandoned house.
Investigators said Townsend admitted to the killing in a letter to his girlfriend, writing that he “beat Kolton with a rock and stomped him out with my shoes.”
Townsend now faces several charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping. Harrington has been charged with second-degree murder and hindering prosecution.
Court records show Townsend had been released from prison just three months earlier after serving 15 years for manslaughter. Harrington also has a criminal history that includes attempted murder and kidnapping charges.
Authorities have not publicly identified the third man involved in the case, and officials said additional charges could still be filed.
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