Police seek help in solving 2012 death of Battle Ground woman

Tatyana Tupikova never made it home from the Battle Ground Cinema last May.

Over the last year, Battle Ground police detectives have collected tips and leads from the public, trying to piece together the 22-year-old’s puzzling death. No suspect has been identified so far.

Here’s what police know: On the evening of May 9, 2012, Tupikova was walking home around 9 p.m. from the Battle Ground Cinema after watching a 6:30 p.m. showing of “The Avengers.” Investigators believe she was struck by a passing vehicle or something extending from a passing vehicle as she walked northbound on the east side of state Highway 503.

Her body was found in a ditch two days later by a passer-by, between West Main Street and Southwest Eaton Boulevard.

After performing an autopsy, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office said she died of blunt-force trauma.

Tupikova lived and worked in Battle Ground. Her death shook the community and her family as they sought answers to exactly what happened. An event remembering the smiley 22-year-old is being held Thursday.

The case, considered a fatal hit and run by police, is still active and open. As the case nears its one-year anniversary, police are asking the public for any clues related to her death or any suspicious activity near the cinema on the evening of May 9, 2012. The public is asked to submit tips online at www.cityofbg.org/tips or by contacting Detective Joshua Phelps at 360-342-5242 or at joshua.phelps@cityofbg.org.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Submit a tip online at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com, text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or call 503-823-HELP (4357). Tips can be anonymous.

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