On April 1, 2017, the body of 40-year-old Christopher M. Libert, a male from Portland, was discovered near the Dougan Falls Bridge, a scenic area along the Washougal River, approximately 17 miles northeast of Washougal, Washington. An autopsy later revealed that Libert had died from a brutal combination of both gunshot and stab wounds. Investigators believe he was killed on the evening of Friday, March 31, 2017.
The Skamania County Sheriff's Office investigation quickly led them to a person of interest. Tire tracks found near a pool of blood at the scene were a crucial piece of evidence. These tracks eventually led deputies to the Portland home of Benjamin C. Serrato, also 40 at the time, who was an acquaintance and roommate of Libert. The tire tread on Serrato's Honda Accord appeared to match the impressions found at the crime scene.
Serrato was arrested and charged with first-degree domestic violence murder in connection with Libert's death. Court documents revealed a complex and tumultuous relationship between the two men, who had been boyfriends. Investigators learned that a romantic relationship Libert developed with a woman had upset Serrato, leading to an ultimatum. Serrato initially told deputies that Libert had been suicidal and that he had driven him to Dougan Falls to take his own life. However, the nature of Libert's injuries, which included at least 11 stab wounds and a gunshot wound to the head, was inconsistent with suicide.
During his first court appearance, Serrato's bail was set at $2 million. Prosecutors argued that he was a flight risk. Despite his initial claims of Libert's suicidal intentions, the evidence pointed towards a violent homicide. Serrato continued to deny his direct involvement, stating that he and Libert had kissed goodbye before Libert walked towards the river's edge. The investigation suggested a crime of passion, fueled by jealousy, as the motive behind the tragic death of Christopher Libert.
