Early Morning 911 Call Leads To Death Investigation (Photo) -07/01/25

At approximately 7:30 a.m. this morning, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call at a residence on Clearwater Avenue in Northeast Salem.

Upon arrival, deputies located a 54-year-old Salem man who was deceased. Detectives with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Oregon State Police crime lab, are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, including the cause.

At this time, investigators believe there is no threat to the community.

No further details are being released at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.

If you have any information related to this case, please contact Detective Noe Martinez at (503) 316-6650.

Marion County CRASH Team Investigating Vehicle Vs. Motorcycle Fatal Crash Outside Of Silverton (Photo) -06/20/25

On June 20, 2025, just after 4:45 p.m., 911 callers reported a crash involving a truck and a motorcycle near the 8000 block of Mt. Angel Highway, just outside of Silverton.

Deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. Tragically, the motorcyclist, identified as Kenneth Jenck, 51, of Gladstone, Oregon, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Mt. Angel Highway was closed for approximately three hours while members of the Marion County CRASH Team investigated the incident. The driver of the truck, a 39-year-old male from Salem, sustained minor injuries, remained at the scene, and is cooperating fully with the investigation. At this time, no citations have been issued and no arrests have been made.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Mt. Angel Fire District, Marion County Public Works, the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Silverton Police Department.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and all those affected by this tragic event.

Adult In Custody Death At The Marion County Jail -06/19/25

On June 19, 2025, just after 3:37 p.m., Jose Soto-Araujo, 54, an adult in custody (AIC), was found unresponsive in his cell at the Marion County Jail. Despite immediate efforts by deputies and medical staff to administer CPR and call for additional emergency personnel, their lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and Mr. Soto-Araujo was pronounced deceased. The cause and manner of death is still under investigation; no additional information is available for release currently.

In accordance with the Marion County Sheriff's Office policy, the Oregon State Police has been asked to investigate this incident as an independent law enforcement agency. Our deepest condolences go to Mr. Soto-Araujo’s family.

***UPDATE *** DEPUTIES ARE CURRENTLY SEARCHING FOR A MISSING 36-YEAR-OLD VULNERABLE FEMALE. (Photo) -06/14/25

***Donna was located this morning around 5 a.m.*** 

Deputies with the Marion County Search and Rescue team are assisting the Salem Police department in locating 36 year old Donna Marie. Donna was last seen today at approximately 5:30 p.m. from the Lancaster Drive Walmart store. Donna Marie is developmentally disabled and autistic and unable to care for herself. Donna is described as 5' 10" tall with sandy blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweat shirt,dark shorts,black and white sneakers,and was carrying a gray back pack. If you see Donna Marie, please call 911. 

Marion County CRASH Team Investigating Pedestrian Fatality In Salem (Photo) -06/09/25

On June 8, 2025, just before 10:00 p.m., 911 callers reported that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle near the 6000 block of Silverton Road NE in Salem.

Deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. Tragically, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Silverton Road was closed for approximately three and a half hours while members of the Marion County CRASH Team investigated the incident.

The driver of the involved vehicle, a 58-year-old female, remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with the investigation. At this time, no citations or arrests have been made.

The pedestrian has been identified as Michael Martinez (52), of Salem. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all those affected by this tragic event.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County Fire District, Marion County Public Works, and the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office.