Coverage includes COVID-19, news stories, sports, business and community issues. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. "We think we've got three people brutally murdered," he said at a news conference in La Grande on Monday morning. The below-mentioned suspect was taken to the Union County Jail. A suspect was taken into custody without incident. person will not be tolerated. 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. 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. Bobby Jack Fowler was one of the most infamous serial killers to ever reside in the Pacific Northwest. Click on the Programs tab, then select Scholarships for more information and to get an application. As part of his plea agreement, Cook agreed to be sentenced to three consecutive terms of life in prison for the murders followed by 15 years for the other two charges, Union County District Attorney Timothy Thompson said. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Per page 1; 2; 3 > Thomas Tracy. Gregory Alvin Cook. 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. Union County can be found in the central area of Oregon. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, Noelle Crombie | The Oregonian/OregonLive. The Union County Major Crime Team was activated with the OSP Criminal Division taking the lead role. Would you like to receive our breaking news? State of Oregon: County Records Guide - Union County Records Inventory // Crime Mapping Tool; Economic Development; Events; Farmers Market; How Do I? BOND: $15000 #2 Communicating Threats #3 Injury To Personal Property. Authorities believe the victims were killed within 24 hours of each other shortly after that, Thompson said. Error! 541.962.9500. Uncovered: Unsolved Oregon Murders Court records show Circuit Judge Thomas Powers on Tuesday signed a order finding Lee unfit to proceed, The Observer reported. "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. He now faces two charges of first-degree murder. 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. Union. At the time the two were divorcing. Invalid password or account does not exist. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The Oregon City community was rocked in 2002 after two young girls went missing. Jerretta Sandoz, right, discusses the Los Angeles Police Protective League's proposals to stop sending . He declined to say how the three were killed or whether police think they were killed elsewhere and moved. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Final data has undergone extensive quality assurance and editing procedures. 541-963-1017 Sheriff's Office 541-963-1020 Jail 1109 'K' Avenue, La Grande, OR 97850 We won't share it with anyone else. LA GRANDE A La Grande man accused of murder will soon face a Union County jury. Eckstein, a childhood playmate of Johnston's, expressed relief that the killings "were just drug-related." He can also be contact by email at tbutcher@union-county.org. "Most of the Saturday night fun was bending noses." Council Weed Control Pay Online Property Taxes Justice Court Citations Planning Woodfield was arrested after investigators discovered phone records placing him in the area of multiple murders that took place on I-5. The killings underscore unwelcome changes that have come to the logging and sawmill town in recent decades. Union County, Oregon Genealogy FamilySearch "It is kind of one of the things that was going to happen.". 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. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. The notorious I-5 Killer terrorized Interstate 5 between October 1980 and February 1981. 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. 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. The court in May stayed the proceedings in the case against Lees co-defendant, Steve Edward Hamilton, 66, of La Grande, pending the outcome of Lees case. Union County authorities search for murder suspect - oregonlive Then, two suitcases containing the bodies of two-year-old Madison Longo and Mary Jane Longo were found. You can now get your boat registration at the Sheriffs Office. A weekly note from our editor about the inner workings of the newsroom. All of the forms on our web site are now fill-able PDFs. Unsolved Mysteries - unioncountysheriff.us Residents said all four are part of a longtime subculture of drug users centered in the Elgin area. The individual, Demus Montez (36) of Hermiston, Oregon was later confirmed to be the outstanding suspect from Sunday's pursuit and Officer Involved . window.__mirage2 = {petok:"81nAoiJxAC7UiVfHItG99EsOJZnlWuRb_yaLX8j61C4-1800-0"}; Final Death Data These data represent final statistics on deaths in Oregon. The court received Farris report Oct. 1. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Name: Date: Victims: Location : A: Robert James ACREMANT: Oct./Dec. OSP Troopers along with Union County Sheriff Deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated Union County. ", 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. Threats of harming another 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. Union County Horizon. 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. Graduated June 2019 with a bachelors in Journalism from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. "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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Union County, Oregon Genealogy Guide - Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness ELGIN The Union County Sheriff's Office is investigating a double homicide outside Elgin. About Death Data The notorious I-5 Killer terrorized Interstate 5 between October 1980 and February 1981. Don't Threaten. Ronald Lee of La Grande was set to face a Union County jury in November on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Loretta Williams. The beating began when the three men yelled at Seraw to move his car, and he refused. 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. Share with Us. Over the years, an untold number of chilling homicides have taken place in the Beaver State, with many making headlines nationwide. 382 or emailing her at chl@union-county.org. The following 8 famous cases will not be forgotten any time soon. This is an active investigation by the La Grande Police Department, the Union County Sheriffs Office, and the Oregon State Police. Love Oregon? Travis Proctor. 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 Law enforcement later cleared the scene. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Beats include crime and courts, city and county news and arts/entertainment. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Apply Now. Unfortunately there is nothing local law enforcement can do. Clear 1 Table Map Chart Dashboard More Table Use the 'Report' link on Alex Murdaugh faces 30 years to life for murder of wife, son .. Union County is bordered by Umatilla County (west), Wallowa County (east), Baker County (south . There was a problem saving your notification. 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). If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Click the bell icon in the nav bar, at any time to change your settings. [CDATA[ What other crimes have occurred in Oregon in your lifetime? The vehicle fled the scene and sheriffs deputies immediately located and started pursuing the vehicle. Weve also gotten calls about winning the lottery, Publishers Clearing House and credit cards. This class meets the requirement to get an Oregon Concealed Permit. 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. OSP Troopers along with Union County Sheriff Deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated Union County. We work closely with and appreciate the efforts of our partnering agencies, the La Grande Police Department and the Oregon State Police. Use the 'Report' link on The carjacker had also shot her three children, one fatally. Mamas Genagretis arraigned today on charges of Murder in the second He now faces two charges of first-degree murder. Cook, also known as Gregory Alvin Mitts, pleaded guilty to all five charges. Records at the Union County Website: Union County Property Search [Current Assessment and Tax Information], n.d.-present. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. 6, 2017 April 7, 2017 Deceased Female Found in Union County, Oregon After Call Reporting a Anyone with further information on this investigation is asked to call the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677). Union County authorities arrested Gregory Alvin Cook, a 42-year-old house painter, in connection with a triple homicide near Elgin. Assumed Business Names Registers 1913-1964 Series documents the registration of business names with the county clerk or recorder. 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. Would you like to receive our news updates? We won't share it with anyone else. "I think a triple homicide is evidence it is becoming a bigger problem.". The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. During this time, at least seven people were brutally murdered from northern California up to northern Washington. We invite you to apply for our programs if you have an interest in Law Enforcement. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Sign up to receive news directly to your desktop. Union County Mugshots: Nov. 23-27, 2017. Create a password that only you will remember. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. At the time the two were divorcing. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. and with Compassion and Valor to the citizens of Union County! Service with Honesty, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, Firmness, Fairness YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Gregory Alvin Cook. Error! Gregory Alvin Cook, 42, was. Guide to Union County, Oregon ancestry, family history, and genealogy birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, and military records. Be Truthful. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"oPsyg0f55IJ4ed88YVGizn.0y7DUxm4PO7pNh4QXKGA-1800-0"}; La Grande Union County Oregon Warrants & Most Wanted Lee remains in custody at the county jail. Thank you! 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. 2019 Union County Weed List; 2020 May Election; 2020 UCED Business Summit; 2022 Business Assistance Grant; 2022 General Candidate Statements; . Jessica Lyn Spalinger (31) of Walla Walla, WA. Your best action is to simply hang up. The investigation is on-going, and any further releases will be done through the Union County District Attorneys Office. Union County Mugshots: Apr. "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. ATTEMPTED MURDER: THIRD BURGLARY SUSPECT IN CONNECTION - ClayCoNews Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Union County, Oregon Jail Inmate List - Nationwide Inmate Lookup Resource December 24, 1902: 1: Oregon, USA: Erik Salvador AYALA . He pleaded guilty to the murders today. If you see them, do not try and apprehend them yourself as they are most likely armed and dangerous. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Union County, Oregon 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. Cook will be sentenced on Nov. 9, 2009, Thompson said. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Cook confessed on camera to the killings. Site Map - Union County 500 North Main Street Monroe, NC 28112. 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. or anything. Union County has a total area of 2,036 square miles. 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. 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. Click the bell icon in the nav bar, at any time to change your settings. During this confrontation, shots were fired. 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 vehicle continued and Troopers were able to successfully spike the vehicle, which ultimately came to a stop on Indian Creek Road near Rinehart Lane. Be Nice. DO NOT give them any information, simply hang up. That's not our job.". The suspects were taken to the Union County Jail by Deputies and lodged on the following charges: Ashtin Clay Romine (26) of Clarkston, WA. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The four had been seen together in mid-July, Thompson said. 14 Cold Cases In Oregon That Still Have Authorities Baffled 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. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, Michael Russell | The Oregonian/OregonLive. He also declined to speculate on a motive. Crime in Union County, Oregon is LOWER than the national average. accounts, the history behind an article. These three men were all members of the skinhead gang East Side White Pride. La Grande - is the county seat. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Los Angeles Police Union Proposes Limits to 911 Responses 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 Authorities believe all three murders are connected. 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. Lee murder trial canceled | Local News | lagrandeobserver.com Once the investigation is complete it will be turned over to the Union County District Attorneys Office for review and any further releases. Newest reporter to The Observer. Hamilton in March pleaded guilty to two counts of hindering prosecution for providing Lee with transportation and concealing physical evidence. 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. Pre-registration is required and can be done by contacting Jo Housden at the Sheriff's Office at (541) 963-1017 ext. A conviction of aggravated murder could bring the death penalty. Date: 9/21 #1 LARCENY-FELONY. The following are some of the more dangerous Most Wanted individuals in Union County, the state of Oregon and the United States. 8am - 12pm, 1pm-4:30pm Mon-Fri. Legal holidays. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Finally, in August 2002, a suspect was confirmed. An independent source of exclusive news and insight about state government delivered conveniently by email each Friday to subscribers. All rights reserved (About Us). BOND: $25000 #2 LARCENY-FELONY. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The four had been seen together in mid-July. If possible, block the number on your phone. But people didn't kill each other, he said. Success! racist or sexually-oriented language. Upon arriving on the scene, law enforcement found an adult female deceased. Law enforcement would like to thank the public for their assistance in the investigation. "Now there are so many strangers in town, it's unreal. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Be Proactive. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Investigators think Cook and the victims -- all of Elgin, all unemployed and all with criminal histories -- were friends. Union County Archives - Oregon Crime News Mikayla is an avid reader and writer with a passion for Oregon's waterfalls, mountains and small towns. Do you have any memories of these homicides? Again, thank you for your support of the Sheriffs Office. Elgin man faces murder charges in double homicide. After he was suspected of stealing $50 from the company, he left his job as station manager. The state agreed not to seek the death penalty, Thompson said. November 28, 2017. Union County is still being hit hard by scammers and robocallers. 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. Idaho murders - live: Update on possible link to Salem Oregon stabbing We have gotten the materials from the Marine Board and are ready to go. Murder defendant Lee suffers stroke in jail. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 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.