On November 23, 2020 at approximately 4:20 a.m. officers from the Ashland Police Department, assisted by the Phoenix Police Department, responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot of the Stratford Inn, 555 Siskiyou BL.

On arrival a man was found deceased, having suffered a single gunshot wound to his chest. Ashland Fire and Rescue responded to the scene to attempt to render aid, however the man was beyond help. The suspect in the shooting was still on scene and was immediately detained, and later taken into custody.

The suspect is identified as Robert Paul Keegan, 47, of Talent. Keegan is being lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges of Murder 2nd degree, Manslaughter 1st  degree, Reckless Endangering and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

The suspect and the victim were both guests at the Stratford Inn.  

The investigation indicates that Keegan and the victim, who did not know each other, were engaged in an argument in the parking lot when Keegan pulled a gun from his coat and fired a single shot, striking the victim in the chest.

The victim’s identity is known, and his family has been notified, however, we are not publicly identifying him at this time out of respect for his family and friends being notified.

The crime scene is still under investigation.

The Ashland Police Department is being assisted by the Jackson county Major Assault/Death Investigation Unit, including detectives from the Medford Police, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police, as well as the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.