OREGON CITY, OR – An Oregon man has been handed a life sentence after confessing to fatally shooting his girlfriend, concealing her remains in a plastic container, and abandoning them in a remote forest area.

William Glen Blake, 56, entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder in Clackamas County Circuit Court this week, admitting to killing 38-year-old Jennifer Ruth Stuart during a confrontation inside their Oregon City residence. Blake will be eligible for parole after serving at least 25 years.

Authorities say the fatal incident unfolded on August 14, when Blake and Stuart became embroiled in an argument at their home on Hilltop Lane. During the dispute, Blake shot Stuart before leaving to purchase a large tote, garbage bags, and gloves. Investigators believe the items were used to transport Stuart’s body from the home.

As part of a negotiated plea agreement, Clackamas County prosecutors dropped additional charges against Blake, including abuse of a corpse, unlawful use of a weapon with domestic intent, and tampering with evidence.

Surveillance footage obtained by law enforcement placed Blake at a local hardware store shortly after the killing, and later near the remote area in Mount Hood National Forest where Stuart’s remains were discovered. Investigators said he initially placed the body in the tote, later retrieving it out of concern it could be linked to him, before ultimately leaving the remains exposed in the woods.

About two weeks after the crime, hunters in the forest reported seeing turkey vultures circling something unusual. When they approached, they discovered what appeared to be human remains, which deputies later identified through fingerprint analysis as belonging to Stuart. An autopsy confirmed she had died from a gunshot wound to her lower torso.

Detectives quickly focused their investigation on Blake, who, according to neighbors and evidence gathered, had a documented history of physically abusing Stuart. During a search of Blake’s home, authorities found the tote believed to have contained Stuart’s body. Blake was taken into custody soon after and admitted to the killing during police interviews.

Investigators also allege that Blake’s teenage son, then 15, may have assisted in moving Stuart’s body. The teen was arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence and held at the Clackamas County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center. The case against him remains pending, and no further details were released about any involvement by Blake’s older son, who was interviewed but not arrested.

Family members, particularly Stuart’s mother, shared their anguish in court, describing the murder and disposal of her daughter’s body as an unimaginable tragedy.

Blake will serve his sentence at a state correctional facility. Authorities have not disclosed whether further charges could emerge as the investigation continues.