The Union County Major Crime Team was activated with the OSP Criminal Division taking the lead role. 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. 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. Union County can be found in the central area of Oregon. [CDATA[ 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. The individual, Demus Montez (36) of Hermiston, Oregon was later confirmed to be the outstanding suspect from Sundays pursuit and Officer Involved Shooting incident and was taken into custody by the Union County Sheriffs Office with the assistance of the Oregon State Police. Unfortunately there is nothing local law enforcement can do to assist you because these calls do not originate in Union County. La Grande - is the county seat. 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. person will not be tolerated. Union. . Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The Oregon City community was rocked in 2002 after two young girls went missing. Municipalities; Septic System Repair Program. Due to two strokes while in custody at the jail, Mr. Lee has been found to be unable to aid and assist in his defense, Gushwa said. Invalid password or account does not exist. This is based off of the average number of violent crimes committed, compared to . If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Date: 9/21 #1 LARCENY-FELONY. There was a problem saving your notification. "This was a rough little town, loggers and sawmillers," said John Braughton, 73. Would you like to receive our breaking news? That's not our job.". BigBarn Internet RadioBest mix of Classic Rock & Country, William Hudson's Carpet Sales Inc.Hardwood, Carpet & Ceramic Tile606-598-5952, STEVIE & THELMAFURNITUREWE FINANCE! Instead call the Union County Sheriff at 541-963-1020. ELGIN The Union County Sheriffs Office is investigating a double homicide outside Elgin. Most forms you can fill them out on line, save them and e-mail them to us. Share with Us. "This was a rough little town, loggers and sawmillers," said. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. We have a fully functioning patrol staff to handle all varieties of emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Residents said the victims shared a house, and driver's license records list the same 15th Street address for Scaramuzzi and McKillop. 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. 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. Sign up to receive news directly to your desktop. 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. Final death data is shown in the next section below. Keep it Clean. Authorities believe the victims were killed within 24 hours of each other shortly after that, Thompson said. Ashley Pond (age 12) and Miranda Gaddis (age 13) were both students at Gardiner Middle School. Anyone with further information on this investigation is asked to call the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677). Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Union County Bookings. Our Search and Rescue Unit is a very active and highly trained organization of volunteer citizens, which we call on frequently to assist those in need. An independent source of exclusive news and insight about state government delivered conveniently by email each Friday to subscribers. A suspect was taken into custody without incident. 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. There was an error processing your request. The killings underscore unwelcome changes that have come to the logging and sawmill town in recent decades. Use the 'Report' link on Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. December 24, 1902: 1: Oregon, USA: Erik Salvador AYALA . Many residents of Union County are receiving scam calls claiming they owe the IRS money. Mason remains in the county jail on no bail. As a result, additional law enforcement was called to the scene and a perimeter was set up. Lee remains in custody at the county jail. Our statistics for Union County include all 8 cities within the county. "We think we've got three people brutally murdered," he said at a news conference in La Grande on Monday morning. BigBarn Internet RadioBest mix of Classic Rock & Country, William Hudson's Carpet Sales Inc.Hardwood, Carpet & Ceramic Tile606-598-5952, STEVIE & THELMAFURNITUREWE FINANCE! What other crimes have occurred in Oregon in your lifetime? Gregory Alvin Cook. Union County Horizon. Union County has a total population of 26222 and was formed in 1864. More Info. 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. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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. or anything. We'd love to hear eyewitness All rights reserved (About Us). 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 Error! According to the sheriff's. 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 Sheriffs Office contacted an individual sitting along Highway 82 outside of Elgin, Oregon. Crime Mapping Tool; Economic Development; Events; Farmers Market; How Do I? A few months later, he returned with pals Larry Scherf and Lori Stephens to rob the gas station. The deadline to apply is May 3, 2023. Court records show Circuit Judge Thomas . 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. Lee, 73, was to face a. To contact Deputy Tad Butcher, the Marine Deputy, during the months of September-May call 541 -963-1017 to leave a message. Apply Now. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Telephone. Beats include crime and courts, city and county news and arts/entertainment. He is currently serving a life sentence in prison. "They are being transported in as complete a condition as we can get them," he said. "Now there are so many strangers in town, it's unreal. Contact Us 704-283-3500 Send a Message. If you havent entered a lottery or Publishers Clearing House you cant have won anything. After he was suspected of stealing $50 from the company, he left his job as station manager. Cook faces charges of murder in the death of McKillop and two counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of Scaramuzzi and Johnston. "It is kind of one of the things that was going to happen.". Choose wisely! The below-mentioned suspect was taken to the Union County Jail. He can also be contact by email at tbutcher@union-county.org. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. A weekly note from our editor about the inner workings of the newsroom. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Union County Oregon Sheriff Overview. 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. Gloria Shafer, 47, said she sleeps with a 9 mm handgun under her pillow because of all the drug problems. "There's a lot of drugs in Union County, and they are not all in Elgin," said Shafer, who operates an excavation business with her husband, Dick. Hours for registration are Monday-Friday from 8-5. The four had been seen together in mid-July, Thompson said. At the time the two were divorcing. 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], Female Suspect in Stolen Truck evades Police during Pursuit before Arrest on Fistrap Road in Clay County, Kentucky, Warrant Arrest on South Highway 421 in Clay County, Kentucky, Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children and Distribution, Receipt, and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, A Federal Jury in Lexington, Kentucky Finds an Attorney from Richmond Guilty of Charges Related to Investment Fraud, Location List of Knox County Sheriff's Office Safety Checkpoints for February, MANCHESTER RENTAL CENTER HAS A HUGE SELECTION. Click on the Programs tab, then select Scholarships for more information and to get an application. At the time the two were divorcing. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, Noelle Crombie | The Oregonian/OregonLive. 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. Would you like to receive our news updates? 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. Don't Threaten. According to the court order, after a 60-day evaluation, the state will determine if Lee can stand trial in the future. The court has ordered that he be transported to the Oregon State Hospital to receive restorative services.. 1995: 3: Oregon, USA: Pleasant ARMSTRONG. Union County, Oregon ( Map It) was created on October 14, 1864 from Baker County. The sheriff's office booked Mason into the Union County Correction Faculty, La Grande, at about 6 p.m. on Dec. 29. OSP Troopers along with Union County Sheriff Deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated Union County. In 1988, Mulgeta Seraw, a 27-year-old Ethiopian student, was beaten to death with a baseball bat by Kenneth Mieske, Kyle Brewster, and Steven Strasser. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Grande Ronde Valley from Indian Rock Contacting the Marine Deputy Union County has a total area of 2,036 square miles. An independent source of exclusive news and insight about state government delivered conveniently by email each Friday to subscribers. We utilize Reserve Patrol and Correctional Deputies to assist our full-time Staff. The sheriffs office in a press release Wednesday, Dec. 30, announced the arrest of Gary Otis Mason, 54, of Elgin, for the deaths of Candy K. Williams, 56, and a juvenile. Choose wisely! All people featured here are presumed innocent. Gregory Alvin Cook, 42, was. Application period still open. 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. For more true crime tales from the Beaver State, check out our previous article: 6 Disturbing Unsolved Mysteries In Oregon That Will Leave You Baffled. Conspiracy to commit murder in Oregon carries a minimum sentence of seven-and-half years, and conviction for murder carries a minimum sentence of 25 years. 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. Williams was Masons significant other, according to the sheriffs office, which did not identify the juvenile. Clear 1 Table Map Chart Dashboard More Table 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. We have gotten the materials from the Marine Board and are ready to go. At the age of 15, Kinkel murdered his parents and then went on a shooting spree at Thurston High School in Springfield, killing two students and wounding at least 25 others. Mikayla is an avid reader and writer with a passion for Oregon's waterfalls, mountains and small towns. We'd love to hear eyewitness Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Some, like gun permits and job applications, you can fill out on line but then will need to print them out to sign them. The following are some of the more dangerous Most Wanted individuals in Union County, the state of Oregon and the United States. Cook blamed methamphetamines. 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 Pre-registration is required and can be done by contacting Jo Housden at the Sheriff's Office at (541) 963-1017 ext. All of the forms on our web site are now fill-able PDFs. Tyrom Theis worked at Leather's Oil Company in Gresham during the 1990s. Be Nice. 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). Use the 'Report' link on "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. Name: Date: Victims: Location : A: Robert James ACREMANT: Oct./Dec. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Success! 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. "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. Cook, also known as Gregory Alvin Mitts, pleaded guilty to all five charges. Click the bell icon in the nav bar, at any time to change your settings. Be Nice. He now faces two charges of first-degree murder. Guide to Union County, Oregon ancestry, family history, and genealogy birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, and military records. 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. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, While Oregon is generally considered to be a safe place to live, theres no denying that we have had more than our fair share of infamous crimes. OSP Troopers along with Union County Sheriff Deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated Union County. The main suspect was Christian Longo, the father and husband of the victims. Per page 1; 2; 3 > Thomas Tracy. Bobby Jack Fowler was one of the most infamous serial killers to ever reside in the Pacific Northwest. He declined to say how the three were killed or whether police think they were killed elsewhere and moved. We're Hiring! The following 8 famous cases will not be forgotten any time soon. OCN provides news and information to keep communities informed about crime in their area. 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. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Sign up for our Daily Headlines newsletter. While law enforcement was responding to the scene, it was learned that an employee of the business confronted the suspects. You have permission to edit this article. Threats of harming another A deputy with the sheriffs office and an Oregon State Police trooper responded and found two bodies upon arrival. This class meets the requirement to get an Oregon Concealed Permit. "I apologize highly to all the families and everyone affected," he said. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Crime in Union County, Oregon is LOWER than the national average. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The scourge of illicit drugs is worsening in this town of 1,700, said Barbara Eckstein, 25, a bartender at Sig's Saloon in Elgin. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Law enforcement would like to thank the public for their assistance in the investigation. Courthouse Hours. Contact: muber@onlyinyourstate.com, One Of The Most Bizarre Disappearances In U.S. History Happened Right Here In Oregon And It Will Leave You Stunned, History Left A Definite Mark At This One Fascinating Spot In Oregon, These 13 Photos Of Oregon From The Early 1900s Are Beyond Fascinating, Its Impossible To Forget The 8 Weirdest Moments That Have Gone Down In Oregon History, Youll Want To Visit These 13 Houses In Oregon For Their Incredible Pasts, The Mind-Boggling History Of This Oregon Commune Will Astound You, Here Are The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Oregon And Theyre Incredible, 6 Things Archaeologists Discovered In Oregon That Will Astound You, Facebook/Thurston High Colts - Springfield, OR, 6 Disturbing Unsolved Mysteries In Oregon That Will Leave You Baffled. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Lee was hospitalized after suffering a stroke in January 2020 while in custody at the Union County Correctional Facility, La Grande. 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 requires hospital care due to the dangerousness and the acuity of symptoms of the disorder, according to the judges order. UNION COUNTY, OR (May 25, 2022) - Oregon State Police is reporting that on Monday, May 23, 2022, at approximately 7:25 P.M., law enforcement received a call from an individual reporting a homicide. 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 suspects were taken to the Union County Jail by Deputies and lodged on the following charges: Ashtin Clay Romine (26) of Clarkston, WA. 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. "The rest of society can draw conclusions if they want. The vehicle fled the scene and sheriffs deputies immediately located and started pursuing the vehicle. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The sheriffs office also said it would not provide further comments on the case, which now is in the hands of the district attorneys office for prosecution. They vanished on their way to catch the school bus in the morning. BOND: $15000 #2 Communicating Threats #3 Injury To Personal Property. These three men were all members of the skinhead gang East Side White Pride. Weve also gotten calls about winning the lottery, Publishers Clearing House and credit cards. 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. There was an error processing your request. The court received Farris report Oct. 1. Create a password that only you will remember. Cook confessed on camera to the killings. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. The murder of Mulgeta Seraw is one of Portland's most notorious hate crimes. A weekly note from our editor about the inner workings of the newsroom. Former reporter with the La Grande Observer and Union County native. Due to supposed language barriers the court obtained a Greek language interrupter, Marie Boyer, to assist with conversing with Mr. Genagretis who appeared . 541.962.9500. Police uncovered the bodies of the two girls on Weaver's property, and were able to arrest him. The Oregon State Trooper involved in the shooting was placed on administrative leave per department policy pending the outcome of the investigation. It was later discovered that the I-5 Killer was Randall Woodfield, a gifted athlete and well-liked former student at Portland State University. Service with Honesty, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, Firmness, Fairness At the time, Cook blamed methamphetamines. "I think a triple homicide is evidence it is becoming a bigger problem.". Woodfield was arrested after investigators discovered phone records placing him in the area of multiple murders that took place on I-5. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Thompson said police used dogs and a search and rescue crew Saturday to recover the bodies of Frank M. Scaramuzzi, 50, and Jeremiah H. Johnston, 28, in a densely wooded area along Darr Road, north of Elgin. The state has accused Lee of killing Williams in November 2018 at her home in Cove. The investigation is on-going, and any further releases will be done through the Union County District Attorneys Office. About Death Data window.__mirage2 = {petok:"oPsyg0f55IJ4ed88YVGizn.0y7DUxm4PO7pNh4QXKGA-1800-0"}; //]]>, Under 2,000,000 ReadersEvery Day Since 2004. 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. But state court records show Circuit Judge Thomas Powers on Tuesday, Oct. 6, signed a order finding Lee is unfit to proceed. The individual, Demus Montez (36) of Hermiston, Oregon was later confirmed to be the outstanding suspect from Sunday's pursuit and Officer Involved . Threats of harming another You can now get your boat registration at the Sheriffs Office. //