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News Release

Salem Man Sentenced For Attempted Murder - 11/04/25

State of Oregon v. Mark Joseph Fox

Salem Man Sentenced for Attempted Murder

Marion County: 23CR54788 & 23CR49925

Salem, OR – November 4, 2025 –  The Honorable Judge James Edmonds sentenced Mark Fox (54), to 241 months (20 years, 1 month) in the Oregon Department of Corrections after he pled guilty to the following charges:

  • One count Attempted Murder in the Second Degree
  • One count Assault in the First Degree
  • One count Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree
  • One count Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm
  • Three counts Strangulation Constituting DV (separate incidents)
  • One count Resisting Arrest

On October 9, 2023, the victim, C.L., messaged a friend to express concern and fear over her husband’s (defendant Mark Fox) drunken, escalated behavior.  Victim's friend called the police on her behalf, meanwhile the defendant left their primary residence for another property owned by the couple. When Marion County Deputies responded, the victim answered the door and was visibly trembling.  She had bruise marks on her feet, arms, legs, and chest.  She described being held so tightly by the defendant that her ability to breathe was blocked. 

Law enforcement located defendant at the other property.  When they attempted to make contact, he fled towards a shop (which would later be found to contain a significant number of firearms and ammunition) and a K9 unit was twice deployed before he was taken into custody.

Based on this incident, defendant was ultimately charged with multiple counts of Strangulation (separate episodes), Assault in the Fourth Degree constituting Domestic Violence, Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Firearm) Interfering with Making a Report and Resisting Arrest.  He was arraigned on October 12, 2023.  The state requested $25,000 bail; instead, defendant was released from custody by a court pretrial release officer with a “no contact with the victim” and “no guns” provision on his release agreement.  Subsequently, the victim obtained a restraining order.  However, before the court could resolve this case, the defendant attacked the victim again.

Less than a month later, on November 8, 2023 Marion County Sheriff’s deputies again responded to the couple’s residence due to a report of domestic violence.  This time, they found the victim walking towards them from the driveway with multiple stab wounds over her body. Despite the seriousness of her condition, she was able to describe the events that led to that moment.

 While on the phone with her mother, the defendant burst into the residence, charged and tacked the victim - causing her insufferable pain and claiming that he wasn’t going to prison, he was there to kill himself.  Victim’s mother heard the confrontation over the phone, and she called 911 after hearing her daughter yell “Stop! Stop!” while defendants voice could be heard saying “Why did you do this to me?”

The defendant had arrived at the house with duct tape, zip ties, and a hunting knife – he then used these items to restrain the victim.  Though ultimately unsuccessful, during their exchange he declared he cut the victim’s ear to maim her.  The victim fought back and ran from the house; she was pursued by the defendant who eventually gained on her and tackled her from behind. With the sound of police sirens in the distance, he assaulted her with the knife, causing life-threatening injuries, before getting up and walking away.

He was arrested less than half a mile away and had multiple self-inflicted stab wounds and cut wounds to his body. When law enforcement arrived at the house, they found the victim’s dog bleeding heavily and huddled in the laundry room.  It was transported to the veterinarian where it later died of injuries.

Today, the Honorable James. C. Edmonds, presiding over the sentencing proceeding.  He thanked the victim for speaking about her case in open court and commended her bravery.  Ultimately, he sentenced Fox to 20 years in the Department of Corrections (19 years if he earns good behavior eligibility)

This case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney, Brendan Murphy and Deputy District Attorney Matthew Kemmy (ret.).   The Marion County District Attorney’s office wishes to thank the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for their responsive and thorough investigation.  Without their partnership, justice could not be served.

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the prevalence of domestic violence in our community, while uniting in support of victims.   “Domestic violence cases are some of the most difficult and important we handle,” said Chief DDA Brendan Murphy. “We honor the strength of the victims, appreciate our community partnerships including but not limited to Liberty House and the Center for Hope and Safety, and reaffirm our promise to support justice to ultimately break the cycle of violence.  This sentence reflects that dedication.”

About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system.

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Salem Man Sentenced For Attempted Murder - 11/04/25

State of Oregon v. Mark Joseph Fox

Salem Man Sentenced for Attempted Murder

Marion County: 23CR54788 & 23CR49925

Salem, OR – November 4, 2025 –  The Honorable Judge James Edmonds sentenced Mark Fox (54), to 241 months (20 years, 1 month) in the Oregon Department of Corrections after he pled guilty to the following charges:

  • One count Attempted Murder in the Second Degree
  • One count Assault in the First Degree
  • One count Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree
  • One count Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm
  • Three counts Strangulation Constituting DV (separate incidents)
  • One count Resisting Arrest

On October 9, 2023, the victim, C.L., messaged a friend to express concern and fear over her husband’s (defendant Mark Fox) drunken, escalated behavior.  Victim's friend called the police on her behalf, meanwhile the defendant left their primary residence for another property owned by the couple. When Marion County Deputies responded, the victim answered the door and was visibly trembling.  She had bruise marks on her feet, arms, legs, and chest.  She described being held so tightly by the defendant that her ability to breathe was blocked. 

Law enforcement located defendant at the other property.  When they attempted to make contact, he fled towards a shop (which would later be found to contain a significant number of firearms and ammunition) and a K9 unit was twice deployed before he was taken into custody.

Based on this incident, defendant was ultimately charged with multiple counts of Strangulation (separate episodes), Assault in the Fourth Degree constituting Domestic Violence, Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Firearm) Interfering with Making a Report and Resisting Arrest.  He was arraigned on October 12, 2023.  The state requested $25,000 bail; instead, defendant was released from custody by a court pretrial release officer with a “no contact with the victim” and “no guns” provision on his release agreement.  Subsequently, the victim obtained a restraining order.  However, before the court could resolve this case, the defendant attacked the victim again.

Less than a month later, on November 8, 2023 Marion County Sheriff’s deputies again responded to the couple’s residence due to a report of domestic violence.  This time, they found the victim walking towards them from the driveway with multiple stab wounds over her body. Despite the seriousness of her condition, she was able to describe the events that led to that moment.

 While on the phone with her mother, the defendant burst into the residence, charged and tacked the victim - causing her insufferable pain and claiming that he wasn’t going to prison, he was there to kill himself.  Victim’s mother heard the confrontation over the phone, and she called 911 after hearing her daughter yell “Stop! Stop!” while defendants voice could be heard saying “Why did you do this to me?”

The defendant had arrived at the house with duct tape, zip ties, and a hunting knife – he then used these items to restrain the victim.  Though ultimately unsuccessful, during their exchange he declared he cut the victim’s ear to maim her.  The victim fought back and ran from the house; she was pursued by the defendant who eventually gained on her and tackled her from behind. With the sound of police sirens in the distance, he assaulted her with the knife, causing life-threatening injuries, before getting up and walking away.

He was arrested less than half a mile away and had multiple self-inflicted stab wounds and cut wounds to his body. When law enforcement arrived at the house, they found the victim’s dog bleeding heavily and huddled in the laundry room.  It was transported to the veterinarian where it later died of injuries.

Today, the Honorable James. C. Edmonds, presiding over the sentencing proceeding.  He thanked the victim for speaking about her case in open court and commended her bravery.  Ultimately, he sentenced Fox to 20 years in the Department of Corrections (19 years if he earns good behavior eligibility)

This case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney, Brendan Murphy and Deputy District Attorney Matthew Kemmy (ret.).   The Marion County District Attorney’s office wishes to thank the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for their responsive and thorough investigation.  Without their partnership, justice could not be served.

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the prevalence of domestic violence in our community, while uniting in support of victims.   “Domestic violence cases are some of the most difficult and important we handle,” said Chief DDA Brendan Murphy. “We honor the strength of the victims, appreciate our community partnerships including but not limited to Liberty House and the Center for Hope and Safety, and reaffirm our promise to support justice to ultimately break the cycle of violence.  This sentence reflects that dedication.”

About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system.

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