Human Remains Potentially Connected to Homicide Case Located by JoCo SAR
A member of the Josephine County Search and Rescue (SAR) team located human remains believed to be connected to a homicide case. The team member was checking along Reuben Mountain beyond the Grave Creek Bridge Thursday around 12:15pm. Based on observations along the roadside, they suspected human remains were in the area. Due to a lack of cell phone service in the area, the SAR member began driving back towards Merlin to make phone contact with investigators. They came upon Oregon State Police troopers and a Sheriff’s Office deputy at the Galice Resort and relayed their observations. Law enforcement responded to the reported area and traversed down the steep, rugged terrain where the deceased person was located. Detectives from the Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office then responded to the scene with a rope team from Search and Rescue. The rope team was able to successfully recover the deceased person, whom investigators believe to be Randall “Randy” Hecker. However, confirmation will still need to be completed during a pending autopsy with the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office. Next of kin have been notified.
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Spot Fire Lining Efforts Continue on East Evans Creek Fire Fight, 5% Contained
Firefighters lined the Canyon Creek spot fire overnight and will continue strengthening fireline throughout the day to hold the East Evans Creek Fire in its current footprint. The Oregon Department of Forestry's latest update reports crews working on the Board Mountain spot fire will continue progress on its fireline. Additional resources are bolstering efforts in the Boswell Mountain area. Structural resources maintained a presence throughout Long Branch Road, Shady Cove, Trail, East Evans Creek Road, West Fork Evans Creek Road, and the Hull Mountain area. Mop- up on the southern edge of the main fire continues along with work to connect portions of the fireline. Structural engines supported wildland suppression efforts by operating high-pressure pump systems, water tenders, and portable water delivery equipment to firefighters working in steep terrain. The fire remains 5% contained and is currently 13,090 acres total. A warming, drying trend will return to the area, along with gusty northwest winds. Fourteen helicopters are assigned to the fire to support ground operations by cooling and slowing fire progression with water drops and providing information on fire movement and spotting.
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Detectives Investigating Rural Central Point Homicide, Suspect in Custody
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in a rural Central Point residence. The suspect is in custody. Wednesday morning, dispatch received a call around 4:05 a.m. of gunshots heard near the 6000 block of Kershaw Road. Deputies responded and found a man deceased from an apparent gunshot wound inside the residence. Next-of-kin has been notified. The victim is Juan Carlos Ramirez-Arango, 62, of Central Point. Evidence collected during the investigation led to the arrest of Pamela Sue Maya, 67, of Central Point. She was in a relationship with the victim. Maya has been charged with second-degree murder and is being held in the Jackson County Jail. Ashland Oregon Police Department and Jackson County District Attorney's Office responded to assist. The Oregon State Police Forensics Lab processed the crime scene. There is no further information available for release at this time.
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