PORTLAND, Ore. — A Washington County judge denied KGW’s request to unseal court documents in the alleged murder of a Beaverton nurse. Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Guptill ordered details surrounding the death of Melissa Jubane remain secret because it may interrupt the investigation and deprive the defendant, Bryce Schubert, a fair trial.
“It is clear to me that this investigation is ongoing. It is not completed, and this would cause problems for this case,” said Guptill.
Schubert, 27, is charged with murder, kidnapping and abuse of a corpse for allegedly killing Jubane, who lived in the same apartment complex in Beaverton. Jubane was reported missing on Sept. 4 when she didn’t show up at Providence St. Vincent, where she worked as a nurse. Her remains were found two days later, and Schubert was arrested.
Little is known about what happened because a judge agreed to seal court documents, including the probable cause affidavit used to arrest Schubert and a search warrant.
In October, KGW submitted a letter to the court requesting the documents be unsealed. This reporter claimed the public should have access to the court records, arguing the Oregon Constitution provides that no court shall be secret. Additionally, KGW argued sealing the documents is no longer necessary because Schubert has been indicted and arraigned. He is in custody, so there is no flight risk.
Judge Guptill heard arguments from the prosecution, defense and a lawyer representing KGW at a hearing on Monday afternoon. The Oregonian and KPTV joined KGW in the effort to unseal the court documents.
“This case is a very, very active investigation,” said Washington County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeff Lesowski. “Just last week, I believe, the Beaverton Police Department executed yet another search warrant in this matter.”
Lesowski explained Beaverton police are still conducting follow-up interviews and pursing leads in the case.
“It is commonplace, as everybody in this room knows for additional facts to be known, additional superseding indictments to be issued, additional defendants to be charged down the road and all sorts of those things are possibilities in this case,” Lesowski said.
Schubert’s defense lawyer agreed, it is an active investigation.
Schubert is currently being held in the Washington County jail. A trial date has been set for Sept. 9, 2025.