Arrest in Colorado as Oregon Storage Unit Reveals Tragic Fate of Missing Montana Woman

A grim discovery in a Beaverton, Oregon storage unit has led to a major break in a cross-state investigation, culminating in the arrest of a man in Colorado. Authorities have confirmed that human remains found last month belong to Alice Mae Herman, a 57-year-old woman reported missing from Montana.

The harrowing case unfolded when Beaverton Police responded to reports of a strong, suspicious odor emanating from a storage unit located on SW Western Avenue.

Upon investigation, officers uncovered human remains, immediately signaling the beginning of a complex and somber inquiry.

Through meticulous work and the use of dental records, investigators positively identified the remains as Alice Mae Herman. Herman had been reported missing to the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office in Montana on October 30, 2023, by her concerned sister.

As the investigation progressed, detectives quickly identified 57-year-old Russell Lee Seifert as a person of interest.

Their swift actions led them to Lamar, Colorado, where Seifert was located and taken into custody on November 1. He now faces grave charges, including Murder in the Second Degree and Abuse of a Corpse, bringing a degree of closure but also profound sadness to Herman's family.

Authorities have confirmed that Seifert and Herman were known to each other, though the exact nature of their relationship and the full circumstances surrounding her death remain under active investigation.

The discovery and subsequent arrest highlight the challenges and dedication involved in solving cases that span multiple jurisdictions.

The Washington County Major Crimes Team has been spearheading the complex investigation, working in close collaboration with the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office in Montana, as well as several agencies in Colorado, including the Lamar Police Department, the Prowers County Sheriff's Office, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Search warrants have been executed in both Oregon and Colorado as detectives meticulously piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.

This ongoing multi-agency effort underscores the commitment to uncovering the truth behind Alice Mae Herman's death and ensuring justice is served.

As the legal process begins, the community awaits further details, hoping for a complete understanding of this devastating incident.