Detectives Search For Answers After Couple Found Dead

"PORTLAND, OR — Detectives are searching for answers about what led to a suspected murder-suicide in Clackamas County this week.

"Deputies were called out to the 7500 block of Southeast Lake Road near Milwaukie for a welfare check at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

"At the home, deputies discovered the bodies of a man and woman.

"Initial evidence at the scene suggested a murder/suicide. Detectives believe that Tyson Stockton, 28, killed his wife Whichelle Stockton, 29, and then killed himself.

"No other details about the crime scene were released.

"Investigators said the couple had lived at their Lake Road home for the past eight months. Whichelle Stockton was recently discharged from the Navy after four years of service, but she does not have any family in the area.

"Detectives are seeking answers from the public about the couple's relationship and what might have preceded the suspected murder/suicide."

From kptv.com...

Two Dead, One Injured In "Quiet Neighborhood"

"SHERWOOD, OR — A domestic dispute in a quiet Sherwood neighborhood ended in tragedy Thursday morning after a man shot his girlfriend, her sister and finally himself.

"Sherwood Police Capt. Ty Hanlon said the couple was found dead at the home. The sister is being treated for gunshot wounds, but is expected to survive.

"Authorities say gunfire erupted inside 17981 Southwest Cereghino Lane around 12:30 a.m. A woman with a gunshot wound escaped from the home and sought help from a neighbor, who called the police, Hanlon said.

"When authorities arrived, they transported the woman to a nearby hospital. Washington County's Tactical Negotiation Team, along with Sherwood Police, tried to make contact with the man and woman, who were believed to be still inside the home.

"Authorities used flash bangs and gas in an attempt to roust the pair from the home. Police evacuated nearby neighbors and housed them in a TriMet bus to keep them warm, Hanlon said.

"After several hours of failed attempts to contact anyone inside, members of the SWAT team broke down the back fence of the residence with an armored vehicle and entered the home. The man was found dead inside, while the woman was found dead outside the home.

"Both were residents of the home, Hanlon said, and died of apparent gunshot wounds.

"The names of the shooting victims have not been released."

From oregonlive.com...

Pair Found Shot In Driveway

"OREGON CITY, OR — A woman was killed in what police believe was a murder/suicide attempt by her husband.

"Police were called to 15970 Swan Avenue near Thurman Street in Oregon City at around 12:15 p.m. Tuesday.

"Callers reported two people on the ground in a driveway.

"Officers arrived to find a 32-year-old woman and 38-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. They were both taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

"Investigators identified the pair as husband and wife.

"Police confirmed that Rebekka Johnson died early Wednesday morning from gunshot wounds. Her husband's condition was not known Wednesday.

"Oregon City Police detectives and the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team are investigating. "

From kptv.com...

Man Kills Ex-Wife, Takes Kids, Kills Himself When SWAT Arrives

"PORTLAND, OR — A man killed his ex-wife at a southwest Portland home, fled with his two children and then later killed himself in the back yard of a home in northeast Portland on Monday morning, according to police.

"Portland police officers were first called to the home on 4143 Southwest Brugger Street at 7:20 a.m. after a neighbor reported gunshots and seeing a man leave the home with two small children.

"When officers entered the home, they found the body of 46-year-old Nicolette Elias, who lived at the house.

"Information from witnesses and investigative leads led officers to a home on the other side of town on Northeast 25th Avenue, where the man and the two children were believed to be.

"Police called in crisis negotiators and SERT—the Portland Police Bureau's version of a SWAT team. While SERT was at the scene, the man exited the rear of the home and shot himself in what appears to be an intentional act, police said.

"Officers later identified him as 47-year-old Ian Elias, the ex-husband of Nicolette Elias. Investigators said his two daughters and his current wife were inside the house.

"Ian Elias had several photos of himself on Facebook holding and aiming guns, posted when he was apparently working at a gun store.

"He also posted photos and videos of his ex-wife and their kids, something that violated a restraining order that Nicolette Elias had against him, according to court documents.

"Records show Ian Elias had a court hearing in that case scheduled for Thursday."

From kptv.com...

Welfare Check Turns Up Dead Bodies

"ONTARIO, OR — Malheur County Sheriff's deputies are investigating after two people were found dead in a home northwest of Ontario early Tuesday evening.

"Malheur County Undersheriff Travis Johnson said deputies found the bodies after performing a welfare check at 518 Foothill Drive at 5:31 p.m. Tuesday. They secured the house as a crime scene.

"The Oregon State Police Crime Lab was called from Pendleton, and officers obtained search warrants before re-entering the home.

"Malheur County Sheriff Brian Wolfe said the incident appeared to be a possible murder/suicide or double suicide, but it is not yet clear what actually had happened in the home.

"Johnson said that despite not yet knowing what had transpired, it did not appear from the initial investigation that anyone other than the two people in the house were involved.

"`They [investigators] basically determined that there was no outside influence to what took place in the house,` Johnson said.

"Johnson said both people were residents in the home. Larry Thorndike, 34, and Amy Labeaf, 32, were found to have gunshot wounds.

"Johnson said autopsies will be performed as part of the investigation.

"`We're going to continue the investigation just to make sure we don't miss anything and to cover every base possible and ensure there are no safety issues,` Johnson said."

Source: The Argus Observer...

Motive Unknown In Shooting Rampage That Leaves 3 Dead

"COOS BAY, OR — An Oregon prosecutor says it appears a gunman first lured his father to a remote campsite and killed him, then drove to a beach where he shot five cars in a parking lot, killing a Michigan man who was sleeping in his vehicle. The gunman then killed himself.

"Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier said Zachary Brimhall's father, 58-year-old William Ray Brimhall of Dillard, Oregon, had been shot multiple times.

"His body was found Tuesday near his vehicle on a rural road about 50 miles from Bastendorff Beach, where the drive-by shooting took place earlier in the day.

"David Jesse Hortman, 43, of Walker, Michigan was also killed in the incident. He was camping in the area when he was shot. Walker is a suburb of Grand Rapids.

"Frasier says there's `no question the son is responsible` for his father's death.

"The prosecutor says he has no idea what motivated the violence on the south Oregon coast."

From WNEM.com...

Two Found Dead After SWAT Standoff

"MOUNT ANGEL, OR — An hours-long standoff ended in tragedy in the town of Mount Angel Saturday morning, when a man took his own life, as well as the life of his ex-girlfriend’s mother.

"Daniel Cuanas was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Saturday morning, after an armed standoff involving his ex-girlfriend, Elizabeth Schwartz, and her mother, Kathleen Schwartz.

"Elizabeth Schwartz escaped with her 15-month-old son, and notified police, who responded to the home at 775 St. Mary’s circle at 2:30 a.m. Her mother, Kathleen Schwartz, was still inside the home at that time.

"During the standoff, Cuanas, armed with firearms, threatened to take his own life, and yelled for police to shoot him.

"Several agencies, including the Woodburn Police Department’s Tactical Services Unit, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Silverton Police and the Mount Angel Police were involved.

"After numerous attempts to diffuse the situation and safely get Kathleen Schwartz out, officers heard what sounded like a gunshot. Via phone, Cuanas told officers he had accidentally discharged his gun. At roughly 3:00 a.m., Cuanas posted the words `Sorry world` to his Facebook account."

From KOIN6...

SWAT Team Finds Bodies In Home

"PORTLAND, OR — A man and woman were found dead in an apparent murder/suicide Friday evening in Southeast Portland.

"Portland police rushed to the site of a reported shooting at a home on Southeast 141st Avenue and Southeast Division Street Friday around 5:30 p.m.

"When they arrived, more gunshots were heard, according to Sgt. Pete Simpson of Portland police.

"SWAT teams, the Special Emergency Reaction Team and Crisis Negotiation Team responded to assist officers with the situation.

"Tear gas and flash bangs were fired into the home, Simpson said.

"When officers went inside, they found a man and woman dead in what appeared to be a murder/suicide.

"Southeast Division Street was closed in both directions from 136th to 145th Avenues. It reopened Friday after 8 p.m."

From kgw.com...

School Shooter Found Dead In Bathroom

"TROUTDALE, OR — Police say a lone teen shooter armed with a rifle opened fire at Reynolds High School on Tuesday morning, killing one student and injuring a teacher.

"The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said the shooter is also dead and the situation has stabilized. Troutdale police told the Associated Press the shooter likely committed suicide.

"Multiple sources indicated the student who was killed was Emilio Hoffman, a freshman soccer player at Reynolds. Police have not confirmed that Hoffman was the victim.

"He was found in the locker room.

"Police said they found the male suspect slumped on a toilet in a bathroom but couldn't see what was happening with him. Police spokesman Sgt. Carey Kaer said police used a robot with a camera to investigate and discovered the suspect was dead and that he likely killed himself.

"Multiple students told [reporters] that physical education teacher Todd Rispler, 50, was grazed by a bullet, but was still able to walk.

"`Today is a very tragic day for the city of Troutdale and the Reynolds School District,` said Troutdale Police Chief Scott Anderson. `The student has died. I'm very, very sorry for the family.`"

Read more at kmtr.com...

Woman Comes Home To Gruesome Scene

"PORTLAND — A woman came home Thursday evening to find her 34-year-old husband and her 4-year-old daughter dead after an apparent murder/suicide.

"Police said Friday morning Jesse Willard killed his daughter, Maribella, and then killed himself.

"Officers were dispatched to the home on 4715 North Houghton Street just before 7 p.m. Homicide detectives were called in shortly after that to help with the investigation.

"According to Sgt. Pete Simpson of Portland police, Maribella's mother came home from work and found both her husband and daughter dead.

"Simpson said both Jesse and Maribella died of a single gunshot wound to the head. He said Jesse had struggled with mental health issues."

From kgw.com...

Screaming Gunman Alerts Neighbors

"PORTLAND, OR — Officers found two gunshot victims inside an Southeast Portland apartment, and detectives believe it may have been an attempted murder-suicide.

"Sgt. Pete Simpson, a police spokesman, said members of the bureau’s Special Emergency Reaction Team found an adult woman dead inside an apartment unit located in the 3300-block of Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard. SERT officers also found an adult man suffering from an “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Simpson said in a prepared press release.

"When officers found the man, he was still alive, Simpson said. He was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

"Officials told [reporters] the incident was reported around 11:56 p.m. Saturday. The gunman was reported to have been seen outside the apartment complex screaming, talking to himself and walking around with a firearm, officials said. Police later learned that a witness heard the man screaming that he had killed the woman, officials confirmed. Around 12:33 a.m. Sunday, as officers were attempting to locate, and talk with the man, he returned to the apartment complex where multiple shots were fired. Officials said no officers were hurt.

"Homicide Detectives and Criminologists from the Forensic Evidence Division are on scene oinvestigation. An autopsy on the woman will be performed Sunday by the Oregon State Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.

"Simpson said there is no longer a risk to the neighborhood."

From KOIN.com...

Dead Couple Had "Serious Medical Issues"

"UMPQUA, OR — The Sheriff's office says a man shot and killed his wife in thier Umpqua home, before turning the gun on himself.

"On Monday at about 5:00 pm, deputies were called to a residence on 240 Smethwick Drive in Umpqua.

"An adult female was at the residence checking on the people who lived there, who were identified as Dennis and Linda Black.

"The female told deputies she found the couple deceased.

"Sheriff's deputies and detectives went to the scene and confirmed that both Dennis and Linda Black were dead inside the residence.

"The case is being investigated as a murder/suicide, according to the Sheriff's office.

"Authorities say evidence led them to believe that Dennis Black, 60, shot and killed his wife Linda, 59, then shot himself.

"The Sheriff's office says both had serious medical issues.

"Dennis and Linda lived alone in a rustic cabin in a rural area of Umpqua, about 20 miles west of Sutherlin, the Sheriff's office said."

From kpic.com...

Machete Killer Found Hanging In Tree

"HARRISBURG, OR — Police discovered the body of a missing Eugene woman Tuesday who was apparently the victim in a gruesome murder-suicide, deputies said.

"Family members of 34-year-old Jacqueline Marroquin (pictured above) reported her missing at 9 p.m. Monday to Eugene Police.

"Deputies learned Marroquin was possibly driving with her long-termboyfriend, 51-year-old Rolando De Paz, near Harrisburg, according to Linn County Undersheriff Bruce Riley.

"On Tuesday, a resident reported finding the couple's vehicle in the 30000 block of Tosta Road in rural Harrisburg. Responding deputies found evidence of foul play inside the car, including blood and a machete, Riley said.

"After searching the area, detectives found Marroquin dead in a brushy area 50 yards from the car. Detectives then scoured the area by air and spotted De Paz’s dead body hanging from a tree.

"An investigation revealed Marroquin died from injuries sustained from the machete.

"Marroquin and De Paz were reportedly going through a separation after spending several years in a relationship together."

From kgw.com...

Cops Find Bodies After 911 Suicide Call

"VENETA, OR — A Veneta husband and wife were found dead in their bedroom Wednesday in an apparent murder-suicide, authorities said.

"Lane County Sheriff's deputies were called about 6 a.m. to a home in the 25200 block of Jake Street after someone inside called 911 threatening suicide, the sheriff's office said.

"Witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the area and deputies later found 56-year-old Bradley R. Chauran and 53-year-old Kelly A. Chauran fatally shot in the home, deputies said.

"The incident is still under investigation and the Lane County Medical Examiner's Office is looking into the cause of death for the couple."

From oregonlive.com...

Boyfriend Escapes Love Triangle Shooting With A Bullet In The Butt

"HILLSBORO, OR — Two people were shot and killed Monday in a murder-suicide, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, and a third person was shot in the buttocks.

"According to sheriff's spokesman Dave Thompson, 61-year-old Kenneth Van Patten killed his wife 56-year-old Melinda Van Patten and then himself.

"The man who was shot in the buttocks was identified as 56-year-old Glen Hamilton. He is expected to survive. He ran next door and told the neighbor to call 911, Thompson said.

"The shooting happened at about 6:30 p.m. in the 5300 block of Southwest River Road.

"Thompson said all three people knew each other and there is no shooter on the loose.

"According to neighbors, the Van Pattens were going through a divorce and Hamilton, Melinda's boyfriend, was living with them.

"Neighbors had heard some fighting coming from the home before but Monday afternoon they heard gunshots and then saw the husband chasing the boyfriend across the yard with a gun, shooting him once in the buttocks.

"They later learned the husband shot his wife inside their home moments before chasing Hamilton outside.

"`Then I heard one shot, and then I heard, 'Help!'` said Jared Whitney. `So I turned and saw one guy hopping over the fence, but he wasn't jumping, he was kind of tumbling, and then I knew it was the real deal.`

"Nick Amrein said after the husband shot the boyfriend, he went back inside the house and killed himself.

"But Amrein, who's known the couple for most of his life, said he had no idea the husband had shot his wife until deputies arrived and found her body inside.

"Neighbors said the couple was in their 50s and had been together since high school."

From KATU.com...

Knife Assault Was Attempted Murder/Suicide

"ROCKAWAY BEACH, OR — Investigators from the Tillamook County Major Crimes Team investigated an assault which occurred in Rockaway Beach during the early morning hours of Friday, March 1, 2013.

"Rockaway Beach Police Officers and Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported stabbing that had occurred at a residence in Rockaway Beach. Two people were transported to the Tillamook County Hospital with serious traumatic injuries. One of the people transported is believed to be the suspect in the assault, Dawn Carole White, 59, of Rockaway Beach. The other injured person is a family member of White’s.

"Investigators believe that Dawn Carole White began attacking a sleeping family member with a knife before inflicting serious injuries to herself, in an apparent murder/suicide attempt.

"Dawn Carole White was transported to Legacy Emanuel as a trauma system entry and had surgery related to her injuries."

Source: northcoastcitizen.com...

3 Dead In Holiday Mall Shooting

"HAPPY VALLEY, OR — A gunman opened fire inside a US shopping mall, killing at least two people and terrorizing holiday shoppers before shooting himself, police said.

"The Tuesday afternoon shooting rampage at the crowded Clackamas Town Centre in the Portland suburb of Happy Valley touched off panic inside the mall, with shoppers streaming out as police and fire crews arrived on the scene.

"`I can confirm that we believe at this point that there was one and only one shooter involved and that that shooter is deceased,` Clackamas County Sheriff's spokesperson Lieutenant James Rhodes told a press briefing.

"`In addition to that, we have at least one patient who was taken from the mall with a traumatic injury and at least two that were deceased in addition to the shooter,` he added.

"Rhodes said later that the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and that police had not fired a single shot inside the mall. The wounded victim was taken by helicopter to a hospital where a spokesperson said she was in serious condition."

Source: Mail & Guardian...

Husband Expected To Survive Attempted Murder/Suicide

"THE DALLES, OR — Police in The Dalles said a man survived an attempted murder-suicide shooting by his wife early Saturday morning.

"Officers found Gerald Levden, 42, on the front porch of a house near his home. He had been shot in the chest.

"Officers then went to his home and found his wife, Carla Levden, 46, dead from a gunshot wound.

"An autopsy revealed the woman died of a self-inflicted shot.

"Investigators said she shot her husband while he was in bed, and then shot herself with the same gun.

"Gerald Levden is still in the hospital in serious condition. Police said he is expected to survive."

From kptv.com...

"If She's Gone I Can't Go On"

"DUNDEE, OR — Police believe a Dundee man whose wife filed for divorce in May killed her and their two children on the Fourth of July, and then committed suicide.

"The four were found dead Wednesday at their home after a caller told police of what was described as an alarming post on a social network.

"All four had been shot. An autopsy is planned Thursday.

"A police spokesman said 37-year-old Randall Engels is suspected of killing 35-year-old Amy Engels and their school-age children.

"A Wednesday post on Randall Engels' Facebook page reads, `If she's gone I cant go on.`

"Capt. Jeff Kosmicki said the family had lived for several years in the town in one of Oregon's prime wine regions. He didn't identify the children."

From The Seattle Times...

Dying Woman Reveals Attacker Was Estranged Husband

"HILLSBORO, OR — A 40-year-old woman died at her Hillsboro home Monday after police said she was violently attacked. Moments before she died, she managed to tell investigators that her estranged husband was the one who did it.

"Police believe Steven Givens, 45, attacked his estranged wife, Cindy Givens, and then fled in his pickup truck. He was found dead in that truck, along Highway 26, about 15 minutes later.

"Cindy called 911 herself for help, around 1 a.m., and said she was the victim of a domestic violence attack in front of her home. She died shortly after the responding officer arrived.

"Neighbors [said] Cindy had been stabbed to death.

"The couple's three children, ages 11, 16, and 17, were inside the home at the time but they did not see what happened. They were unharmed, police said, and were now in the care of relatives.

"Cindy had filed for divorce in February 2011 and also tried to get a restraining order against Steven.

"The home, located on 2241 NE Grant Street, was surrounded by crime tape Monday morning with investigators collecting evidence.

"Steven's body was found in a white pickup truck along Highway 26, east of Manning. Police have not said how he died.

"Steven had moved out of the family home and was living in Portland, police said.

"The murder has rattled the quiet, well-established neighborhood.

"`We were surprised, just totally shocked about what had happened,` said neighbor Connie Ethell. `It’s a sad thing because now with both parents gone, they left three children behind.`"

From nwcn.com...