14 Cold Cases In Oregon That Still Have Authorities Baffled Three days later, the body of three-year-old Sadie Longo was found nearby. Final death data is shown in the next section below. The beating began when the three men yelled at Seraw to move his car, and he refused. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. At the time, Cook blamed methamphetamines. Eckstein, a childhood playmate of Johnston's, expressed relief that the killings "were just drug-related." Gloria Shafer, 47, said she sleeps with a 9 mm handgun under her pillow because of all the drug problems. The below-mentioned suspect was taken to the Union County Jail. The individual, Demus Montez (36) of Hermiston, Oregon was later confirmed to be the outstanding suspect from Sunday's pursuit and Officer Involved . Union County can be found in the central area of Oregon. Get more stories delivered right to your email. He can also be contact by email at tbutcher@union-county.org. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The discovery of McKillop's body, followed by rumors that more had been found, left many Elgin residents frightened. The zip codes in Union County are 97824-97883. Coverage includes COVID-19, news stories, sports, business and community issues. In 2017, a total of 151 juvenile cases were reported for every 100,000 people age 10 to adulthood in the jurisdiction of Union County. Witnesses also said that they saw her driving to the hospital at a speed of around 5 mph. Don't Threaten. The four had been seen together in mid-July. On May 19, 1983, Diane Downs turned up at the McKenzie-Willamette Hospital in Springfield claiming that she had been carjacked and shot in the arm. Keep your business strong with local news, Jury selection to begin July 7 for Ronald Lee trial, Murder defendant Lee in legal fight over sale of homicide victim's estate, Ronald Lee murder trial set for early January. We'd love to hear eyewitness There was a problem saving your notification. LA GRANDE The Union County Circuit Court made progress in the murder case against Gary Mason. The main suspect was Christian Longo, the father and husband of the victims. Deceased Female Found in Union County, Oregon After Call Reporting a A man who confessed to the brutal slayings of three people in a small Eastern Oregon town last summer pleaded guilty today to three counts of aggravated murder, officials reported. Union County has a total population of 26222 and was formed in 1864. This is based off of the average number of violent crimes committed, compared to . Alex Murdaugh faces 30 years to life for murder of wife, son Geoffrey and Leslie Brown, Clackamas County, 1975 Five-year-old Geoffrey Lyman Brown and 7-year-old Leslie Michelle Brown were found murdered on March 12, 1975, at 4:45 p.m. Each had been shot twice in the head while lying on a coat in a small clearing in McIver Park, near the City of Estacada. About Death Data During this time, at least seven people were brutally murdered from northern California up to northern Washington. Unsolved Mysteries - unioncountysheriff.us And if they tell you that you have to send money to claim your prize, then you know its a scam! If you live here or are thinking about visiting we hope you enjoy our beautiful County and feel safe here. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"oPsyg0f55IJ4ed88YVGizn.0y7DUxm4PO7pNh4QXKGA-1800-0"}; LA GRANDE Ronald Dwight Lee of La Grande is headed to the Oregon State Hospital in Salem instead of to a murder trial for the death of his wife Loretta Williams. DO NOT give them any information, simply hang up. Please understand this is a scam, the IRS would not call you about your taxes. Commissioners Meeting with Oregon Women Veterans Coordinator; Commissioners Statement on COVID-19; Commissioners Statement on COVID-19 as of April 15, 2020; The La Grande Police Department at the request of the Oregon State Police, and in compliance with the Union County Deadly Force Plan will be conducting the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation. Error! He now faces two charges of first-degree murder. Anyone with further information on this investigation is asked to call the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677). LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) An eastern Oregon man who was facing trial over the death of his wife has been sent to the state psychiatric hospital. Mamas Genagretis arraigned today on charges of Murder in the second The sheriff's office in a press release Wednesday, Dec. 30, announced the arrest of Gary Otis Mason,. //]]>, Under 2,000,000 ReadersEvery Day Since 2004. Lee was hospitalized after suffering a stroke in January 2020 while in custody at the Union County Correctional Facility, La Grande. Final Death Data These data represent final statistics on deaths in Oregon. Cook, an unemployed house painter, and the victims -- all of Elgin, all unemployed and all with criminal histories -- were believed to be friends, Thompson said. Lees attorney Dean Gushwa, of Pendleton, filed to postpone the trial in January, which Judge Powers granted with no objections from District Attorney Kelsie McDaniel. The investigation is on-going, and any further releases will be done through the Union County District Attorneys Office. All public service counters are closed 4:30pm - 5pm Mon - Fri. Courtrooms shall continue to run until 5 pm or such time as the presiding judge deems appropriate. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. During the robbery, Theis shot and killed the three female employees who were working at the time: Mary Beth Wheeler (25), her mother-in-law Rosealie Fey-Girtz (51), and Virginia Kay Endicott (47). Union County Missing La Grande Man Found Safe April 28, 2018 Union County Mugshots: Apr. Union County - Oregon Elections Economic Development SBA Press Release Baum Industrial Park Business Oregon Emergency Services Air Quality Emergency Preparedness Sign up for Emergency Notifications Miscellaneous Employment Opportunities Local Public Safety Coord. "I did it," Cook said on camera to a King (5) news crew from Seattle while being led to the Thurston County jail in handcuffs, "and I apologize highly to all the families and everyone affected.". Law enforcement later cleared the scene. Union County, NC | Union County, NC Homepage accounts, the history behind an article. If possible, block the number on your phone. On Saturday, police used chain saws to clear underbrush and trees from the area where Scaramuzzi's and Johnston's remains were found. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. There was an error processing your request. Keep it Clean. Ronald Lee of La Grande was set to face a Union County jury in November on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Loretta Williams. The court received Farris report Oct. 1. But state court records show Circuit Judge Thomas Powers on Tuesday, Oct. 6, signed a order finding Lee is unfit to proceed. He was later sentenced to two life sentences without the possibility of parole. The court in May stayed the proceedings in the case against Lees co-defendant, Steve Edward Hamilton, 66, of La Grande, pending the outcome of Lees case. UNION COUNTY, OR (July 20, 2022) - The Oregon State Police is reporting that on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at 8:38 A.M., a Deputy with the Union County Sheriff's Office contacted an individual sitting along Highway 82 outside of Elgin, Oregon. racist or sexually-oriented language. This individual was lodged in theUnion County Jail. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. "The rest of society can draw conclusions if they want. Many residents of Union County are receiving scam calls claiming they owe the IRS money. NEVER give the caller any personal information. "I think a triple homicide is evidence it is becoming a bigger problem.". "We think we've got three people brutally murdered," he said at a news conference in La Grande on Monday morning. Share with Us. Don't knowingly lie about anyone "It changes who you are as an individual when you're under the influence of that stuff for days and weeks at a time," he said. Once the investigation is complete it will be turned over to the Union County District Attorneys Office for review and any further releases. Investigators think Cook and the victims -- all of Elgin, all unemployed and all with criminal histories -- were friends. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Union County, Oregon An official website of the United States government What's New & FAQs QuickFacts Union County, Oregon QuickFacts provides statistics for all states and counties, and for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more. A conviction of aggravated murder could bring the death penalty. Jessica Lyn Spalinger (31) of Walla Walla, WA. LA GRANDE A La Grande man accused of murder will soon face a Union County jury. According to the court order, after a 60-day evaluation, the state will determine if Lee can stand trial in the future. There was a problem saving your notification. The Union County Sheriffs Office will transfer Lee to the Oregon State Hospital. He is currently serving a life sentence in prison. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Union County, Oregon Jail Inmate List - Nationwide Inmate Lookup Resource Suspect in Elgin triple homicide confesses on camera Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. "This was a rough little town, loggers and sawmillers," said. OCN provides news and information to keep communities informed about crime in their area. Be Truthful. Cook faces charges of murder in the death of McKillop and two counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of Scaramuzzi and Johnston. Keep it Clean. The four had been seen together in mid-July, Thompson said. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Gregory Alvin Cook. He also declined to speculate on a motive. ", Given the level of drug use, a triple homicide "doesn't surprise me at all," said professional horseshoer Richard Porter, 65, of nearby Union, who stopped in Elgin on Monday afternoon. You will receive your first email soon. Keep In Touch. OSP Troopers along with Union County Sheriff Deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated Union County. Cook, 42, was arrested near Rainer, Wash., on Monday in connection with the killing of three people in Elgin. Unsolved Mysteries - unioncountysheriff.us Return to Programs Unsolved Mysteries If you believe that you might have information about an unsolved crime, contact us, and together we can bring justice to victims in our county. Elgin Murder Suspect Found in Western Washington Be Nice. A few months later, he returned with pals Larry Scherf and Lori Stephens to rob the gas station. The Northeast Oregon Regional SWAT Team and the Oregon State Police SWAT Team responded to the area and ultimately located and arrested two suspects in the late evening hours. Elgin man faces murder charges in double homicide Love Oregon? This is a preview edition of Marion County Mugs Information on this page was obtained from the website Information for this page was obtained from the Douglas Marion County Mugshots Preview Edition : Mar-03-2023, Josephine County Released or Transferred Inmates : Mar-02-2023, Douglas County Released or Transferred Inmates : Mar-02-2023, Douglas County Jail Mugshots Douglas County Released Inmates. Residents said the victims shared a house, and driver's license records list the same 15th Street address for Scaramuzzi and McKillop. Would you like to receive our breaking news? Lee remains in custody at the county jail. If you see them, do not try and apprehend them yourself as they are most likely armed and dangerous. Per page 1; 2; 3 > Thomas Tracy. Union County authorities arrested Gregory Alvin Cook, a 42-year-old house painter, in connection with a triple homicide near Elgin. Instead call the Union County Sheriff at 541-963-1020. 382 or emailing her at chl@union-county.org. Choose wisely! Union. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. The name Kip Kinkel is one most Oregonians are familiar with. The vehicle continued and Troopers were able to successfully spike the vehicle, which ultimately came to a stop on Indian Creek Road near Rinehart Lane. The state has accused Lee of killing Williams in November 2018 at her home in Cove. Police arrested Gregory Alvin Cook, 42, also known as Gregory Alvin Mitts, near Rainier, Wash. -- about 16 miles southeast of Olympia -- hours after Union County District Attorney Tim Thompson revealed that two more bodies had been discovered in the case. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). "It is kind of one of the things that was going to happen.". Again, thank you for your support of the Sheriffs Office. You have permission to edit this article. Union County, Oregon Genealogy FamilySearch BigBarn Internet RadioBest mix of Classic Rock & Country, William Hudson's Carpet Sales Inc.Hardwood, Carpet & Ceramic Tile606-598-5952, STEVIE & THELMAFURNITUREWE FINANCE! Cook will be sentenced on Nov. 9, 2009, Thompson said. The vehicle fled the scene and sheriffs deputies immediately located and started pursuing the vehicle. Woodfield was arrested after investigators discovered phone records placing him in the area of multiple murders that took place on I-5. According to the sheriffs office, Mason called the Union County Dispatch Center via 911 from his home on Chumos Road at approximately 12:06 a.m. Tuesday. Oregon Online Genealogy Records Contents 1 County Information 1.1 Description 2 Union County, Oregon Record Dates 3 County Courthouse 4 Historical Facts 4.1 Record Loss 4.2 Boundary Changes Cook blamed methamphetamines. If you havent entered a lottery or Publishers Clearing House you cant have won anything. Unfortunately there is nothing local law enforcement can do. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Invalid password or account does not exist. While law enforcement was responding to the scene, it was learned that an employee of the business confronted the suspects. OCN provides news and information to keep communities informed about crime in their area. Union County authorities today said they are searching for a La Grande man suspected in the killing of a woman whose remains were found July 24 in eastern Oregon. Union County, Oregon ( Map It) was created on October 14, 1864 from Baker County. This class meets the requirement to get an Oregon Concealed Permit. 541.962.9500. The Sheriffs Office Scholarship Applications for 2023 are available! OSP Troopers along with Union County Sheriff Deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated Union County. Union County authorities search for murder suspect - oregonlive During the course of the pursuit, occupants in the suspect vehicle fired rounds at the pursuing law enforcement vehicles, which ultimately disabled one patrol vehicle. Police uncovered the bodies of the two girls on Weaver's property, and were able to arrest him. We're Hiring! Apply Now. On July 24th, officers in Union County found a severed hand in a lake near Elgin that belonged to 51-year-old Shannon McKillop, who's body. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Thomas Tracy. Graduated June 2019 with a bachelors in Journalism from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Create a password that only you will remember. LA GRANDE Ronald Dwight Lee of La Grande is headed to the Oregon State Hospital in Salem instead of to a murder trial for the death of his wife Loretta Williams. December 24, 1902: 1: Oregon, USA: Erik Salvador AYALA . The Oregon City community was rocked in 2002 after two young girls went missing. The killings underscore unwelcome changes that have come to the logging and sawmill town in recent decades. A few of the most notorious Oregon serial killers who are almost always present within these lists are the following: Dayton Leroy Rogers, also known as the "The Molalla Forest Killer," who murdered 7-8+ women from 1983-1987; Gary Ridgway, also known as "The Green River Killer," who was convicted of murdering 49 women from 1982-1998 in Oregon and Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. accounts, the history behind an article. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Upon arriving on the scene, law enforcement found an adult female deceased. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Oregon murderers list | Murderpedia These three men were all members of the skinhead gang East Side White Pride. The carjacker had also shot her three children, one fatally. Use the 'Report' link on //]]>, Under 2,000,000 ReadersEvery Day Since 2004. Do you have any memories of these homicides? Union County Oregon Sheriff Overview. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Union County Mugshots Archives - Oregon Crime News U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Union County, Oregon "This was a rough little town, loggers and sawmillers," said John Braughton, 73. Would you like to receive our news updates? To contact Deputy Tad Butcher, the Marine Deputy, during the months of September-May call 541 -963-1017 to leave a message. La Grande - is the county seat. We invite you to apply for our programs if you have an interest in Law Enforcement. Courthouse Hours. Click the bell icon in the nav bar, at any time to change your settings. On July 24, children playing at a pond south of the Elgin city limits found a human hand, evidence which led investigators to the remains of Shannon M. McKillop, 51. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Union County Sheriff's Office 1109 'K' Avenue, La Grande, OR 97850 Phone : 541-963-1017 E-mail: sheriff@union-county.org EMERGENCY: dial 911 on your phone The box will . Union County Archives - Oregon Crime News On July 24, children playing at a pond south of Elgin city limits along Pumpkin Ridge Road found a human hand, which led investigators to the remains of Shannon M. McKillop, 51. Union County Horizon. An Oregon State Police Trooper was set up for a spike strip deployment and upon learning of the active shooting situation, he engaged the suspects and suspect vehicle by discharging his duty weapon as they came by his location. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Cook, 42, was arrested near Rainer, Wash., in August in connection with the killing of three people in Elgin then confessed to the crimes to a television camera crew. [CDATA[ Success! 1995: 3: Oregon, USA: Pleasant ARMSTRONG. During this time, at least seven people were brutally murdered from northern California up to northern Washington. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Municipalities; Septic System Repair Program. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. We utilize Reserve Patrol and Correctional Deputies to assist our full-time Staff. Gregory Alvin Cook. Court records show Circuit Judge Thomas Powers on Tuesday signed a order finding Lee unfit to proceed, The Observer reported. As part of his plea agreement, Cook agreed to be sentenced to three consecutive terms of life in prison for the murders followed by 15 years for the other two charges, Union County District Attorney Timothy Thompson said. At approximately 2:27 p.m. Law enforcement was summoned to the same business as the reporting party was describing three people wearing gloves and masks approaching the business. Elgin triple-homicide suspect pleads guilty to murder An independent source of exclusive news and insight about state government delivered conveniently by email each Friday to subscribers. Cook confessed on camera to the killings. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Records at the Union County Website: Union County Property Search [Current Assessment and Tax Information], n.d.-present. Union County, Oregon - General County Info Union County, Oregon Home Page General information about Union County Population: 24,406 Area: 2,037 sq. Name: Date: Victims: Location : A: Robert James ACREMANT: Oct./Dec. Travis Proctor. 7-8, 2017 April 9, 2017 Information on this page was obtained from the website of Union County Jail, which is public domain. Don't knowingly lie about anyone There was an error processing your request. The court canceled the murder trial after Dr. Michael Saul Farris, a Portland-based psychiatrist, determined Lee was danger to himself or others because of a mental disorder and he requires hospital care due to the dangerousness and the acuity of symptoms of the disorder, according to the judges order. Hamilton in March pleaded guilty to two counts of hindering prosecution for providing Lee with transportation and concealing physical evidence. Mason remains in the county jail on no bail. A suspect was taken into custody without incident. The Union County Major Crime Team, which includes members of the Union County Sheriffs Office, La Grande Police Department, Oregon State Police and Union County Attorneys office, then investigated throughout the day. Choose wisely! Would you like to receive our breaking news? Newest reporter to The Observer. unioncountysheriff.us - Union County, Oregon As Sheriff we welcome you to Union County and all it has to offer citizens. La Grande Union County Oregon Warrants & Most Wanted For months, local authorities and the FBI searched for possible leads into their disappearances. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. A man confessed to a television camera crew after his arrest that he had killed three people whose remains were found in recent days near Elgin in northeast Oregon. The Oregon State Trooper involved in the shooting was placed on administrative leave per department policy pending the outcome of the investigation. Authorities believe all three murders are connected. The cost of the class is $75. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. The three suspects fled from the vehicle into the dense brush and vegetation. Success! Man sent to hospital instead of facing trial in wife's death - AP NEWS The state accused Lee of killing Williams in November 2018 at her home in Cove. Oregon Judicial Department : Union Home : Union County Circuit Court [CDATA[ He pleaded guilty to the murders today. Union County, OR Courts - Records & Cases - StateCourts The state also will submit progress reports every 180 days through the length of Lees commitment, which will be no more than three years. We'd love to hear eyewitness Their bodies were found days later in a field. We won't share it with anyone else. Gregory Alvin Cook, 42, was. You can now get your boat registration at the Sheriffs Office. Reference case number SP22181738. Elgin man faces murder charges in double homicide. Most forms you can fill them out on line, save them and e-mail them to us. The notorious I-5 Killer terrorized Interstate 5 between October 1980 and February 1981. November 28, 2017. 541-963-1017 Sheriff's Office 541-963-1020 Jail 1109 'K' Avenue, La Grande, OR 97850 He then underwent a mental health evaluation. Ashley Pond (age 12) and Miranda Gaddis (age 13) were both students at Gardiner Middle School. He was linked by DNA evidence to the murder of two teenage girls and also became the prime suspect in the disappearance of two other teenage girls who were murdered in 1992. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Union County, Oregon Genealogy Guide - Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness or anything. Days later, police found the bodies of Frank M. Scaramuzzi, 50, and Jeremiah H. Johnston, 28, in a densely wooded area north of Elgin. Hospital staff reported being alarmed by Downs' calm demeanor. Cook, also known as Gregory Alvin Mitts, pleaded guilty to all five charges. Grande Ronde Valley from Indian Rock Contacting the Marine Deputy "Most of the Saturday night fun was bending noses." 2019 Union County Weed List; 2020 May Election; 2020 UCED Business Summit; 2022 Business Assistance Grant; 2022 General Candidate Statements; . If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Back on 13 August 2021, a couple was attacked in their home in Salem, Oregon, by a masked assailant who broke in armed with a knife, the Marion County . Law enforcement would like to thank the public for their assistance in the investigation. The deadline to apply is May 3, 2023. Assumed Business Names Registers 1913-1964 Series documents the registration of business names with the county clerk or recorder. It was later discovered that the I-5 Killer was Randall Woodfield, a gifted athlete and well-liked former student at Portland State University. The County Commissioners feel that Law Enforcement is an important part of a safe, livable county and have supported our efforts by allowing us the funding needed to have well trained, equipped, and professional Deputies. Invalid password or account does not exist. Site Map - Union County Some, like gun permits and job applications, you can fill out on line but then will need to print them out to sign them. Error! and with Compassion and Valor to the citizens of Union County! All people featured here are presumed innocent. Residents in Union County experience LOWER frequencies of violent crimes as compared to other counties in the United States. The third suspect was not located and is still outstanding as of this release. In December of 2001, the body of four-year-old Zachary Longo was found in a marina in Waldport, a small coastal town near Newport. The suspects were taken to the Union County Jail by Deputies and lodged on the following charges: Ashtin Clay Romine (26) of Clarkston, WA. 606-878-1363, WOODS SANITATION FOR GARBAGE PICK-UP & DUMPSTER RENTALSCLAY COUNTY, KY606-599-8728, Contact us at 606-658-6187 or email [emailprotected][emailprotected], Two Gunshot Wound Victims after Shooting in Seattle, Washington, Attorney General Cameron Holds Operation Fight Fentanyl Forum in Falmouth, Kentucky, New Restaurant And Brewery Opens Just In Time For The Holidays In Harlan, KY, Escaped Inmate located in Abandoned Home on Knoblick Road in Leslie County, Kentucky, Drug Interdiction Task Force in Laurel County recovers Bundle of Cash belonging to a 90 Year-old Louisville, Kentucky Man, MANCHESTER RENTAL CENTER HAS A HUGE SELECTION.