Jackson County Sheriff’s detectives and Oregon State Police forensic investigators search the home of missing White City woman Candy Burke on Friday. Burke was last seen Nov. 2. Her husband, Ryan Burke, has been in communication with police. (Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli)Police searched a missing White City woman's home Friday for evidence that could explain her suspicious disappearance late last week.
The family of Candy Burke, 24, watched from an adjacent yard as Jackson County sheriff's detectives and an Oregon State Police forensics team roped off the area surrounding the home in the 7900 block of Ajax Avenue.
"We had no probable cause to search the home prior to today," Sheriff's Detective Sgt. Colin Fagan said. "We're hoping to find something that will lead us to Candy."
Investigators combed through garbage piled outside the home and two vehicles, a mobile home and a white Ford Taurus that belonged to the family.
Detectives remained in touch Friday with Ryan Scott Burke, 28, who was last seen leaving with the couple's three boys in the family's Ford station wagon Nov. 3.
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However, he has yet to reveal what has become of his wife. He did assure police the children, Dodge, 4, Thomas, 3 and Harley, 2, were safe with family in California.
"We have sent detectives to California to set eyes on the children to confirm this," Fagan said.
Candy Burke, who suffers from a disease that left her unable to walk, was last seen by her family the evening of Nov. 2. A history of spousal abuse has led her family to fear the worst.
At least one question was answered Friday, as a green sofa chair that mysteriously disappeared from the home's living room late last week was found. Fagan said detectives would try to determine whether the chair has any relevance to the case.
The house was difficult to search because of extreme clutter inside and out. Also, several animals — dogs, chickens, birds and two pigs — had recently been inside.
"We have one room where clothes are piled 3 feet high," Fagan said.
The case has left the Burke family frustrated and feeling helpless. They have spent the week saturating several towns with fliers showing pictures of Candy and her children.
"I'm pretty much the last to know," said Candy's mom, Karina Marshall. "My daughter in Georgia knows more than I do."
Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail cconrad@mailtribune.com.
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