UPDATE: Salem Police Detectives Conducting Death Investigation
(SALEM, Ore) — The victim in this morning's incident has now been identified as 66-year old Michael Hampshire from Salem.
An autopsy was completed this afternoon at the State Medical Examiner's Office in Portland, and the manner of death has been ruled as Homicidal Violence.
His next of kin has been notified.
Salem Police Detectives have interviewed and arrested 22-year old Beau W Smith on the charge of Murder.
Smith is currently a Willamette University student, and according to their web site, is a wide receiver for the Willamette Bearcats football team.
Smith has a home address in California.
The University is making resources, including counseling and chaplain services, available to students and staff.
Police are not saying what the possible motive for the crime may be, or what the cause of death is.
The Salem Police Department and the Marion County District Attorney's Office are continuing to investigate this case.
Original Story:
Salem Police Detectives are currently conducting a death investigation in northeast Salem.
At approximately 3:42 am this morning, a citizen reported what appeared to be a body laying near the intersection of D St NE and Winter St NE.
Responding officers confirmed a deceased male located on property near the intersection, the scene was secured and an investigation is continuing.
A person of interest was located a short distance away and is currently being interviewed by detectives.
As a result of the investigation, D St NE will remain closed between Capitol St NE and Cottage St NE, and Summer St NE will be closed between E St NE and Union St NE.
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, police urge the public to avoid the area if at all possible.
The Salem-Keizer School District has been notified due to the close proximity of schools, Parish Middle and North High Schools.
Oregon State Police have been notified to assist with issues affecting State offices in the area.
State employees displaced and or unable to get to their work stations due to the investigation are being asked to respond to the State Lands Building located at the intersection of Summer St NE and D St NE.
Salem News Journal will bring you more when it is available.
Video from the scene by Jerry Freeman
