A suspect was taken into custody without incident. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. On Saturday, police used chain saws to clear underbrush and trees from the area where Scaramuzzi's and Johnston's remains were found. 541.962.9500. Council Weed Control Pay Online Property Taxes Justice Court Citations Planning This individual was lodged in theUnion County Jail. Again, thank you for your support of the Sheriffs Office. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. And if they tell you that you have to send money to claim your prize, then you know its a scam! Gregory Alvin Cook. 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). A conviction of aggravated murder could bring the death penalty. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Would you like to receive our breaking news? Keep In Touch. Keep your business strong with local news, Court eyes trial dates for Gary Mason case. Some, like gun permits and job applications, you can fill out on line but then will need to print them out to sign them. Do you have any memories of these homicides? 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. What other crimes have occurred in Oregon in your lifetime? .. Union County is bordered by Umatilla County (west), Wallowa County (east), Baker County (south . YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Their bodies were found days later in a field. He pleaded guilty to the murders today. "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. [CDATA[ The Union County Sheriffs Office mission is to provide Professional Law Enforcement Service with Honesty, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, Firmness, Fairness This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. //, Under 2,000,000 ReadersEvery Day Since 2004. Weve also gotten calls about winning the lottery, Publishers Clearing House and credit cards. About Death Data MIGUEL FERNANDO Wanted for: Homicide Wanted by: INTERPOL Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. The notorious I-5 Killer terrorized Interstate 5 between October 1980 and February 1981. -- Richard Cockle contributed to this report. 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. Be Proactive. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. But state court records show Circuit Judge Thomas Powers on Tuesday, Oct. 6, signed a order finding Lee is unfit to proceed. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Invalid password or account does not exist. Eckstein, a childhood playmate of Johnston's, expressed relief that the killings "were just drug-related." Error! During this time, at least seven people were brutally murdered from northern California up to northern Washington. Local law enforcement officers said they couldn't remember a previous triple homicide in the area. 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. Police arrested Cook near Rainier, Wash., hours after Thompson told reporters that two more bodies had been discovered in the case. 541-963-1017 Sheriff's Office 541-963-1020 Jail 1109 'K' Avenue, La Grande, OR 97850 Courthouse Hours. 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. Ashley Pond (age 12) and Miranda Gaddis (age 13) were both students at Gardiner Middle School. Final death data is shown in the next section below. All people featured here are presumed innocent. 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. We're Hiring! Hospital staff reported being alarmed by Downs' calm demeanor. OCN provides news and information to keep communities informed about crime in their area. A weekly note from our editor about the inner workings of the newsroom. Unfortunately there is nothing local law enforcement can do to assist you because these calls do not originate in Union County. 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. The county was named for the town of Union, which had been established two years before and named by its founders for the "Union" of the states during the Civil War. This class meets the requirement to get an Oregon Concealed Permit. 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. The following are some of the more dangerous Most Wanted individuals in Union County, the state of Oregon and the United States. 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. Elgin man faces murder charges in double homicide. Cook confessed on camera to the killings. Name: Date: Victims: Location : A: Robert James ACREMANT: Oct./Dec. racist or sexually-oriented language. The cost of the class is $75. 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. Alex Murdaugh is led outside the Colleton County Courthouse by sheriff's deputies after being convicted of two counts of murder Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Walterboro, S.C., in the June 7, 2021 . 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. Crime Mapping Tool; Economic Development; Events; Farmers Market; How Do I? 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. The carjacker had also shot her three children, one fatally. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. The investigation is on-going, and any further releases will be done through the Union County District Attorneys Office. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. The third suspect was not located and is still outstanding as of this release. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Success! Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. 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. Cook blamed methamphetamines. Over the years, an untold number of chilling homicides have taken place in the Beaver State, with many making headlines nationwide. She feels it's once again safe to walk around town, she said. Union County Oregon Sheriff Overview. The juvenile sentence in Oregon often depends on the severity of the crime, the number of crimes, and other family matters. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. It was later discovered that the I-5 Killer was Randall Woodfield, a gifted athlete and well-liked former student at Portland State University. Share with Us. Threats of harming another Would you like to receive our breaking news? ELGIN The Union County Sheriffs Office is investigating a double homicide outside Elgin. Mikayla is an avid reader and writer with a passion for Oregon's waterfalls, mountains and small towns. LA GRANDE A La Grande man accused of murder will soon face a Union County jury. Union County Missing La Grande Man Found Safe April 28, 2018 Union County Mugshots: Apr. 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. The four had been seen together in mid-July, Thompson said. The box will . We have gotten the materials from the Marine Board and are ready to go. He now faces two charges of first-degree murder. "Now there are so many strangers in town, it's unreal. "It is kind of one of the things that was going to happen.". Success! Anyone with further information on this investigation is asked to call the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677). Gregory Alvin Cook, 42, was arraigned today in Union County Circuit Court on three counts of aggravated murder, one count of abuse of a corpse, and one of being a felon in possession of a firearm. You will receive your first email soon. Travis Proctor. Gregory Alvin Cook, 42, was. If you havent entered a lottery or Publishers Clearing House you cant have won anything. Apply Now. "This was a rough little town, loggers and sawmillers," said John Braughton, 73. Lee, 73, was to face a Union County jury in November on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder more than a year after pleading not guilty. The discovery of McKillop's body, followed by rumors that more had been found, left many Elgin residents frightened. Would you like to receive our news updates? The deadline to apply is May 3, 2023. Final data has undergone extensive quality assurance and editing procedures. Woodfield was arrested after investigators discovered phone records placing him in the area of multiple murders that took place on I-5. He now faces two charges of first-degree murder. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. At the time the two were divorcing. Find Us. While law enforcement was responding to the scene, it was learned that an employee of the business confronted the suspects. We won't share it with anyone else. "We think we've got three people brutally murdered," he said at a news conference in La Grande on Monday morning. The Union County Sheriffs Office will transfer Lee to the Oregon State Hospital. Many residents of Union County are receiving scam calls claiming they owe the IRS money. The sheriffs office booked Mason into the Union County Correction Faculty, La Grande, at about 6 p.m. Tuesday. 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. This is based off of the average number of violent crimes committed, compared to . Union County has a total population of 26222 and was formed in 1864. Keep it Clean. Municipalities; Septic System Repair Program. The Union County Major Crime Team was activated with the OSP Criminal Division taking the lead role. 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. To contact Deputy Tad Butcher, the Marine Deputy, during the months of September-May call 541 -963-1017 to leave a message. Unfortunately there is nothing local law enforcement can do. 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. BOND: $25000 #2 LARCENY-FELONY. OCN provides news and information to keep communities informed about crime in their area. 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. Authorities believe the victims were killed within 24 hours of each other shortly after that, Thompson said. Court records show Circuit Judge Thomas . Once the investigation is complete it will be turned over to the Union County District Attorneys Office for review and any further releases. Choose wisely! LA GRANDE The Union County Circuit Court made progress in the murder case against Gary Mason. Be Truthful. 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. or anything. Mason was at the scene and received aid from the Elgin Ambulance and La Grande Fire Department. He also declined to speculate on a motive. March 1, 2023, at 5:31 p.m. Los Angeles Police Union Proposes Limits to 911 Responses. Beats include crime and courts, city and county news and arts/entertainment. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 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. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Investigators believe he could be responsible for more than 40 murders. Per page 1; 2; 3 > Thomas Tracy. An employee at the . Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, Michael Russell | The Oregonian/OregonLive. Cook, 42, was arrested near Rainer, Wash., on Monday in connection with the killing of three people in Elgin. Days later, police found the bodies of Frank M. Scaramuzzi, 50, and Jeremiah H. Johnston, 28, in a densely wooded area north of Elgin. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. These three men were all members of the skinhead gang East Side White Pride. OSP Troopers along with Union County Sheriff Deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated Union County. As Sheriff we welcome you to Union County and all it has to offer citizens. The Oregon State Trooper involved in the shooting was placed on administrative leave per department policy pending the outcome of the investigation. 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. The three suspects fled from the vehicle into the dense brush and vegetation. The court received Farris report Oct. 1. The state also will submit progress reports every 180 days through the length of Lees commitment, which will be no more than three years. Upon arriving on the scene, law enforcement found an adult female deceased. Residents said the victims shared a house, and driver's license records list the same 15th Street address for Scaramuzzi and McKillop. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. But some residents say an expanding drug subculture should share the blame. 1995: 3: Oregon, USA: Pleasant ARMSTRONG. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"oPsyg0f55IJ4ed88YVGizn.0y7DUxm4PO7pNh4QXKGA-1800-0"}; 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. "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.". The state has accused Lee of killing Williams in November 2018 at her home in Cove. 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. He can also be contact by email at [email protected]. Union County authorities arrested Gregory Alvin Cook, a 42-year-old house painter, in connection with a triple homicide near Elgin. that is degrading to another person. During this time, at least seven people were brutally murdered from northern California up to northern Washington. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. The state agreed not to seek the death penalty, Thompson said. 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. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. You have permission to edit this article. 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.