Woodfield was arrested after investigators discovered phone records placing him in the area of multiple murders that took place on I-5. Packets have also been sent to all local high schools. But state court records show Circuit Judge Thomas Powers on Tuesday, Oct. 6, signed a order finding Lee is unfit to proceed. that is degrading to another person. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, Michael Russell | The Oregonian/OregonLive. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. 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. Cook confessed on camera to the killings. Graduated June 2019 with a bachelors in Journalism from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. "They are being transported in as complete a condition as we can get them," he said. An employee at the . ELGIN The Union County Sheriff's Office is investigating a double homicide outside Elgin. Residents in Union County experience LOWER frequencies of violent crimes as compared to other counties in the United States. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Residents said the victims shared a house, and driver's license records list the same 15th Street address for Scaramuzzi and McKillop. The zip codes in Union County are 97824-97883. 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 ELGIN The Union County Sheriffs Office is investigating a double homicide outside Elgin. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. Finally, in August 2002, a suspect was confirmed. Keep it Clean. 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. Coverage includes COVID-19, news stories, sports, business and community issues. 1995: 3: Oregon, USA: Pleasant ARMSTRONG. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Application period still open. Success! Jessica Lyn Spalinger (31) of Walla Walla, WA. The killings underscore unwelcome changes that have come to the logging and sawmill town in recent decades. Beats include crime and courts, city and county news and arts/entertainment. Be Nice. Cook confessed to a King (5) news crew from Seattle the he committed the murders, saying "I did it" as he was led to the Thurston County jail in handcuffs. person will not be tolerated. Then, two suitcases containing the bodies of two-year-old Madison Longo and Mary Jane Longo were found. At the time, Cook blamed methamphetamines. 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. Law enforcement later cleared the scene. 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. Union County has a total population of 26222 and was formed in 1864. Elgin man faces murder charges in double homicide Council Weed Control Pay Online Property Taxes Justice Court Citations Planning As a result, additional law enforcement was called to the scene and a perimeter was set up. Mamas Genagretis arraigned today on charges of Murder in the second 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. Union County Bookings. 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. Per page 1; 2; 3 > Thomas Tracy. 2019 Union County Weed List; 2020 May Election; 2020 UCED Business Summit; 2022 Business Assistance Grant; 2022 General Candidate Statements; . 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. Oregon murderers list | Murderpedia 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. Cook, 42, was arrested near Rainer, Wash., on Monday in connection with the killing of three people in Elgin. You have permission to edit this article. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Union County - Oregon If you havent entered a lottery or Publishers Clearing House you cant have won anything. racist or sexually-oriented language. If you live here or are thinking about visiting we hope you enjoy our beautiful County and feel safe here. "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.". Click on the Programs tab, then select Scholarships for more information and to get an application. La Grande Union County Oregon Warrants & Most Wanted 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 weekly note from our editor about the inner workings of the newsroom. Again, thank you for your support of the Sheriffs Office. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Use the 'Report' link on BOND: $25000 #2 LARCENY-FELONY. Oregon Health Authority : Oregon Death Data - State of Oregon Investigators in Moscow are exploring the possibility that the quadruple murders of four University of Idaho students may be connected to a 2021 unsolved stabbing murder 400 miles away in Oregon. He then underwent a mental health evaluation. Don't knowingly lie about anyone person will not be tolerated. Over the years, an untold number of chilling homicides have taken place in the Beaver State, with many making headlines nationwide. Union County authorities search for murder suspect - oregonlive Error! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. All rights reserved (About Us). Create a password that only you will remember. 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. or anything. Share with Us. The three suspects fled from the vehicle into the dense brush and vegetation. Sign up to receive news directly to your desktop. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"oPsyg0f55IJ4ed88YVGizn.0y7DUxm4PO7pNh4QXKGA-1800-0"}; Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 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. Be Nice. 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. Union County Missing La Grande Man Found Safe April 28, 2018 Union County Mugshots: Apr. There was a problem saving your notification. You will receive your first email soon. Please understand this is a scam, the IRS would not call you about your taxes. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism If possible, block the number on your phone. Champaign County Kevin Neal has been sentenced to life in prison for the 1997 murders of his 11-year-old stepdaughter and his 4-year-old stepson. The murder of Mulgeta Seraw is one of Portland's most notorious hate crimes. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Assumed Business Names Registers 1913-1964 Series documents the registration of business names with the county clerk or recorder. Police arrested Cook near Rainier, Wash., hours after Thompson told reporters that two more bodies had been discovered in the case. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"81nAoiJxAC7UiVfHItG99EsOJZnlWuRb_yaLX8j61C4-1800-0"}; Unfortunately there is nothing local law enforcement can do. 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. ClayCoNews May 25, 2022 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. The Union County Sheriffs Office will transfer Lee to the Oregon State Hospital. Union County Arrests and Inmate Search What other crimes have occurred in Oregon in your lifetime? Name: Date: Victims: Location : A: Robert James ACREMANT: Oct./Dec. On Saturday, police used chain saws to clear underbrush and trees from the area where Scaramuzzi's and Johnston's remains were found. Local law enforcement officers said they couldn't remember a previous triple homicide in the area. 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. DO NOT give them any information, simply hang up. 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. 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. The main suspect was Christian Longo, the father and husband of the victims. About Death Data 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. 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. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Union County, Oregon 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. OREGON CITY, Ore. (KOIN) - Oregon City Police Department says someone installed a credit card skimming device and camera at an ATM at an Oregonian's Credit Union on Feb. 25. Click the bell icon in the nav bar, at any time to change your settings. We won't share it with anyone else. Many residents of Union County are receiving scam calls claiming they owe the IRS money. 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. 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. "This was a rough little town, loggers and sawmillers," said. Union County authorities arrested Gregory Alvin Cook, a 42-year-old house painter, in connection with a triple homicide near Elgin. Records at the Union County Website: Union County Property Search [Current Assessment and Tax Information], n.d.-present. 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. As Sheriff we welcome you to Union County and all it has to offer citizens. NEVER give the caller any personal information. Union County Horizon. 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 Travis Proctor. "Now there are so many strangers in town, it's unreal. //]]>, Under 2,000,000 ReadersEvery Day Since 2004. Upon arriving on the scene, law enforcement found an adult female deceased. Share with Us. Most forms you can fill them out on line, save them and e-mail them to us. The scammers are not located in Union . More Info. The below-mentioned suspect was taken to the Union County Jail. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. A conviction of aggravated murder could bring the death penalty. or anything. 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 The Union County Circuit Court made progress in the murder case against Gary Mason. Gloria Shafer, 47, said she sleeps with a 9 mm handgun under her pillow because of all the drug problems. 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). 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. He can also be contact by email at tbutcher@union-county.org. Oregon Judicial Department : Union Home : Union County Circuit Court Once the investigation is complete it will be turned over to the Union County District Attorneys Office for review and any further releases. The four had been seen together in mid-July. Union County Undersheriff Craig Ward said the victims' alleged drug use made no difference to police in their investigation. The court received Farris report Oct. 1. 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 Sheriff's Office contacted an individual sitting along Highway 82 outside of Elgin, Oregon. Union County, Oregon Genealogy Guide - Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness [CDATA[ Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Don't Threaten. [CDATA[ Remember Social Security will NEVER call you and ask for your personal information! . The Oregon State Trooper involved in the shooting was placed on administrative leave per department policy pending the outcome of the investigation. Mikayla is an avid reader and writer with a passion for Oregon's waterfalls, mountains and small towns. -- Richard Cockle contributed to this report. Be Truthful. 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. The court has ordered that he be transported to the Oregon State Hospital to receive restorative services.. The following 8 famous cases will not be forgotten any time soon. Thank you! We invite you to apply for our programs if you have an interest in Law Enforcement. .. Union County is bordered by Umatilla County (west), Wallowa County (east), Baker County (south . Mason remains in the county jail on no bail. Ashley Pond (age 12) and Miranda Gaddis (age 13) were both students at Gardiner Middle School. Idaho murders - live: Update on possible link to Salem Oregon stabbing If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. He now faces two charges of first-degree murder. La Grande - is the county seat. Your best action is to simply hang up. A suspect was taken into custody without incident. Elgin man faces murder charges | Local News | eastoregonian.com Mason was at the scene and received aid from the Elgin Ambulance and La Grande Fire Department. 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. Williams was Masons significant other, according to the sheriffs office, which did not identify the juvenile. Not long ago, everybody knew everybody else, said Vickie Hosains, 47. Gregory Alvin Cook. The discovery of McKillop's body, followed by rumors that more had been found, left many Elgin residents frightened. 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. 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. 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. Pre-registration is required and can be done by contacting Jo Housden at the Sheriff's Office at (541) 963-1017 ext. Crime in Union County, Oregon is LOWER than the national average. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Union County, Oregon - General County Info Union County, Oregon Home Page General information about Union County Population: 24,406 Area: 2,037 sq. The most notorious person from each of Ohio's 88 counties There was an error processing your request. unioncountysheriff.us - Union County, Oregon He also declined to speculate on a motive. Date: 9/21 #1 LARCENY-FELONY. -- Richard Cockle, rcockle@oregonwireless.net. We'd love to hear eyewitness The juvenile sentence in Oregon often depends on the severity of the crime, the number of crimes, and other family matters. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Choose wisely! ", 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. We're Hiring! BigBarn Internet RadioBest mix of Classic Rock & Country, William Hudson's Carpet Sales Inc.Hardwood, Carpet & Ceramic Tile606-598-5952, STEVIE & THELMAFURNITUREWE FINANCE! We have a fully functioning patrol staff to handle all varieties of emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Site Map - Union County Be Truthful. Union County is still being hit hard by scammers and robocallers. During this time, at least seven people were brutally murdered from northern California up to northern Washington. This individual was lodged in theUnion County Jail. State of Oregon: County Records Guide - Union County Records Inventory Bobby Jack Fowler was one of the most infamous serial killers to ever reside in the Pacific Northwest. Click the bell icon in the nav bar, at any time to change your settings. Unfortunately there is nothing local law enforcement can do to assist you because these calls do not originate in Union County. UNION COUNTY 0 Mamas Genagretis, the man accused of murdering Deanna Badgley at their home on Robbs Hill Rd in Union County Monday, May 23rd, was arraigned in a Union County Courtroom today. Threats of harming another Union County, Oregon ( Map It) was created on October 14, 1864 from Baker County. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. The sheriff's office in a press release Wednesday, Dec. 30, announced the arrest of Gary Otis Mason,. 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 sheriffs office detained Mason on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at approximately 3 a.m. following an initial investigation at his residence, 68381 Chumos Road, outside Elgin, where Williams also resided. Union County has a total area of 2,036 square miles. We have gotten the materials from the Marine Board and are ready to go. Hamilton in March pleaded guilty to two counts of hindering prosecution for providing Lee with transportation and concealing physical evidence. "The rest of society can draw conclusions if they want. We'd love to hear eyewitness Keep it Clean. Union County authorities arrested Gregory Alvin Cook, a 42-year-old house painter, in connection with a triple homicide near Elgin. Union County, Oregon Genealogy FamilySearch YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. There was a problem saving your notification. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Cook blamed methamphetamines. 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. OCN provides news and information to keep communities informed about crime in their area. "It is kind of one of the things that was going to happen.". Anyone with further information on this investigation is asked to call the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677). Lee remains in custody at the county jail. Cook faces charges of murder in the death of McKillop and two counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of Scaramuzzi and Johnston. Be Proactive. //]]>, Under 2,000,000 ReadersEvery Day Since 2004. Lee murder trial canceled | Local News | lagrandeobserver.com 9/21 61 Views. The notorious I-5 Killer terrorized Interstate 5 between October 1980 and February 1981. Lee was hospitalized after having a stroke in January while in custody at the Union County Correctional Facility in La Grande. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. 500 North Main Street Monroe, NC 28112. All of the forms on our web site are now fill-able PDFs. March 1, 2023, at 5:31 p.m. Los Angeles Police Union Proposes Limits to 911 Responses. Alex Murdaugh faces 30 years to life for murder of wife, son The suspects were taken to the Union County Jail by Deputies and lodged on the following charges: Ashtin Clay Romine (26) of Clarkston, WA. A weekly note from our editor about the inner workings of the newsroom. 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. Invalid password or account does not exist. Union County Mugshots Archives - Oregon Crime News Their bodies were found days later in a field. After he was suspected of stealing $50 from the company, he left his job as station manager. All people featured here are presumed innocent. Be Proactive. We utilize Reserve Patrol and Correctional Deputies to assist our full-time Staff. The state agreed not to seek the death penalty, Thompson said. If you would like to file a complaint about a scam call the Oregon Department of Justice at 877-877-9392 or visit their website at www.oregonconsumer.gov. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The name Kip Kinkel is one most Oregonians are familiar with. Union County Mugshots: Apr. The sheriff's office booked Mason into the Union County Correction Faculty, La Grande, at about 6 p.m. on Dec. 29. 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. Cook will be sentenced on Nov. 9, 2009, Thompson said. According to the court order, after a 60-day evaluation, the state will determine if Lee can stand trial in the future. 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. 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. 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. 541-963-1017 Sheriff's Office 541-963-1020 Jail 1109 'K' Avenue, La Grande, OR 97850 and with Compassion and Valor to the citizens of Union County! Apply Now. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. We won't share it with anyone else. The vehicle fled the scene and sheriffs deputies immediately located and started pursuing the vehicle. Final death data is shown in the next section below. accounts, the history behind an article. Days later, police found the bodies of Frank M. Scaramuzzi, 50, and Jeremiah H. Johnston, 28, in a densely wooded area north of Elgin. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. BigBarn Internet RadioBest mix of Classic Rock & Country, William Hudson's Carpet Sales Inc.Hardwood, Carpet & Ceramic Tile606-598-5952, STEVIE & THELMAFURNITUREWE FINANCE! LA GRANDE A La Grande man accused of murder will soon face a Union County jury.