Gregory Alvin Cook. Authorities believe all three murders are connected. BOND: $15000 #2 Communicating Threats #3 Injury To Personal Property. "This was a rough little town, loggers and sawmillers," said. "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. Pre-registration is required and can be done by contacting Jo Housden at the Sheriff's Office at (541) 963-1017 ext. Elgin triple-homicide suspect pleads guilty to murder Be Truthful. Service with Honesty, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, Firmness, Fairness and with Compassion and Valor to the citizens of Union County! Police arrested Cook near Rainier, Wash., hours after Thompson told reporters that two more bodies had been discovered in the case. 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. Keep it Clean. Suspect in Elgin triple homicide confesses on camera If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, Michael Russell | The Oregonian/OregonLive. Unfortunately there is nothing local law enforcement can do. Success! An employee at the . Invalid password or account does not exist. 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. Union County has a total area of 2,036 square miles. The Oregon City community was rocked in 2002 after two young girls went missing. Over the years, an untold number of chilling homicides have taken place in the Beaver State, with many making headlines nationwide. Mamas Genagretis arraigned today on charges of Murder in the second Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Residents in Union County experience LOWER frequencies of violent crimes as compared to other counties in the United States. Union County Archives - Oregon Crime News 8 Famous Homicide Cases In Oregon That Will Never Be Forgotten 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). Mason was at the scene and received aid from the Elgin Ambulance and La Grande Fire Department. unioncountysheriff.us - Union County, Oregon 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. 14 Cold Cases In Oregon That Still Have Authorities Baffled November 28, 2017. If you see them, do not try and apprehend them yourself as they are most likely armed and dangerous. [CDATA[ He now faces two charges of first-degree murder. 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. Courthouse Hours. Elgin Murder Suspect Found in Western Washington "They are being transported in as complete a condition as we can get them," he said. State of Oregon: County Records Guide - Union County Records Inventory 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. Union County Arrests and Inmate Search La Grande Union County Oregon Warrants & Most Wanted For months, local authorities and the FBI searched for possible leads into their disappearances. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Upon arriving on the scene, law enforcement found an adult female deceased. Keep your business strong with local news, Court eyes trial dates for Gary Mason case. Los Angeles Police Union Proposes Limits to 911 Responses "We think we've got three people brutally murdered," he said at a news conference in La Grande on Monday morning. //Oregon City ATM skimmer installed at Oregonian's Credit Union by But people didn't kill each other, he said. The Union County Sheriffs Office mission is to provide Professional Law Enforcement Authorities believe the victims were killed within 24 hours of each other shortly after that, Thompson 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 . The state has accused Lee of killing Williams in November 2018 at her home in Cove. 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. Law enforcement later cleared the scene. He pleaded guilty to the murders today. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Share with Us. A conviction of aggravated murder could bring the death penalty. 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). The notorious I-5 Killer terrorized Interstate 5 between October 1980 and February 1981. Threats of harming another A weekly note from our editor about the inner workings of the newsroom. 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. 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 confessed on camera to the killings. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. There was an error processing your request. Be Truthful. Unsolved Mysteries - unioncountysheriff.us Return to Programs Unsolved Mysteries If you believe that you might have information about an unsolved crime, contact us, and together we can bring justice to victims in our county. Click on the Programs tab, then select Scholarships for more information and to get an application. Lee remains in custody at the county jail. The sheriff's office in a press release Wednesday, Dec. 30, announced the arrest of Gary Otis Mason,. Ward Weaver III was a violent man with a record of rape and assault. 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 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. Gloria Shafer, 47, said she sleeps with a 9 mm handgun under her pillow because of all the drug problems. Use the 'Report' link on But state court records show Circuit Judge Thomas Powers on Tuesday, Oct. 6, signed a order finding Lee is unfit to proceed. Contact Us 704-283-3500 Send a Message. But some residents say an expanding drug subculture should share the blame. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. LA GRANDE The Union County Circuit Court made progress in the murder case against Gary Mason. As Sheriff we welcome you to Union County and all it has to offer citizens. Court records show Circuit Judge Thomas . 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. 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. Sign up for our Daily Headlines newsletter. An independent source of exclusive news and insight about state government delivered conveniently by email each Friday to subscribers. Oregon Health Authority : Oregon Death Data - State of Oregon Crime in Union County, Oregon - Bozo Buster On July 17, 2022, at 12:43 p.m., Union County Sheriffs Deputies responded to a business, Bullseye Muzzleloaders and More, located in Island City, Oregon for the report of a business burglary. About Death Data Elgin man faces murder charges in double homicide 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. Union County can be found in the central area of Oregon. ELGIN The Union County Sheriffs Office is investigating a double homicide outside Elgin. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Union County, Oregon Public Records Directory - OnlineSearches.com You can now get your boat registration at the Sheriffs Office. After he was suspected of stealing $50 from the company, he left his job as station manager. 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. 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. Invalid password or account does not exist. Union County Mugshots: Apr. 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. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. BigBarn Internet RadioBest mix of Classic Rock & Country, William Hudson's Carpet Sales Inc.Hardwood, Carpet & Ceramic Tile606-598-5952, STEVIE & THELMAFURNITUREWE FINANCE! 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. //Uncovered: Unsolved Oregon Murders 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 court has ordered that he be transported to the Oregon State Hospital to receive restorative services.. "I think a triple homicide is evidence it is becoming a bigger problem.". Union County authorities search for murder suspect - oregonlive The Union County Sheriffs Office will transfer Lee to the Oregon State Hospital. Create a password that only you will remember. Mason remains in the county jail on no bail. We have a fully functioning patrol staff to handle all varieties of emergency and non-emergency calls for service. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, Noelle Crombie | The Oregonian/OregonLive. The sheriff's office booked Mason into the Union County Correction Faculty, La Grande, at about 6 p.m. on Dec. 29. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Remember Social Security will NEVER call you and ask for your personal information! Use the 'Report' link on Success! The carjacker had also shot her three children, one fatally. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism The deadline to apply is May 3, 2023. Union County Horizon. What other crimes have occurred in Oregon in your lifetime? Finally, in August 2002, a suspect was confirmed. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Crime Mapping Tool; Economic Development; Events; Farmers Market; How Do I? 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. The Union County Major Crime Team was activated with the OSP Criminal Division taking the lead role. Williams was Masons significant other, according to the sheriffs office, which did not identify the juvenile. Ashley Pond (age 12) and Miranda Gaddis (age 13) were both students at Gardiner Middle School. We won't share it with anyone else. Your best action is to simply hang up. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Unfortunately there is nothing local law enforcement can do to assist you because these calls do not originate in Union County. All rights reserved (About Us). Coverage includes COVID-19, news stories, sports, business and community issues. Union County, Oregon ( Map It) was created on October 14, 1864 from Baker County. NEVER give the caller any personal information. The notorious I-5 Killer terrorized Interstate 5 between October 1980 and February 1981. Hospital staff reported being alarmed by Downs' calm demeanor. Municipalities; Septic System Repair Program. 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. Lee murder trial canceled | Local News | lagrandeobserver.com Be Nice. Reference case number SP22181738. Would you like to receive our news updates? He declined to say how the three were killed or whether police think they were killed elsewhere and moved. Oregon Judicial Department : Union Home : Union County Circuit Court Then, two suitcases containing the bodies of two-year-old Madison Longo and Mary Jane Longo were found. ", 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'd love to hear eyewitness 500 North Main Street Monroe, NC 28112. The cost of the class is $75. 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. Grande Ronde Valley from Indian Rock Contacting the Marine Deputy You have permission to edit this article. .. Union County is bordered by Umatilla County (west), Wallowa County (east), Baker County (south . 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. "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. Final death data is shown in the next section below. racist or sexually-oriented language. Former reporter with the La Grande Observer and Union County native. 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. Union County authorities arrested Gregory Alvin Cook, a 42-year-old house painter, in connection with a triple homicide near Elgin. It was later discovered that the I-5 Killer was Randall Woodfield, a gifted athlete and well-liked former student at Portland State University. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. MIGUEL FERNANDO Wanted for: Homicide Wanted by: INTERPOL PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Eckstein, a childhood playmate of Johnston's, expressed relief that the killings "were just drug-related." 7-8, 2017 April 9, 2017 Information on this page was obtained from the website of Union County Jail, which is public domain. 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. Lee was hospitalized after suffering a stroke in January 2020 while in custody at the Union County Correctional Facility, La Grande. New data are added each year in late fall. 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. He now faces two charges of first-degree murder. The sheriffs office booked Mason into the Union County Correction Faculty, La Grande, at about 6 p.m. Tuesday. Instead call the Union County Sheriff at 541-963-1020. "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.". Find Us. Union County Mugshots Archives - Oregon Crime News According to the court order, after a 60-day evaluation, the state will determine if Lee can stand trial in the future. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, On Saturday, police used chain saws to clear underbrush and trees from the area where Scaramuzzi's and Johnston's remains were found.