Josephine Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

Summer Lane Attempted Murder - 07/14/26

RELEASE DATE: July 14, 2026

                                                           

INCIDENT: Major Crimes Investigation

 

INCIDENT DATE: July 7, 2026

 

CASE NUMBER: 26-18588

 

REPORTING DEPUTY: Undersheriff Snyder

 

SUSPECT:  Israel Wytcherley, 50-year-old male

 

VICTIM/MISSING:  Randall Hecker, 67-year-old male

 

CHARGES: Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree

                    Assault I

                    Kidnapping in the 1st Degree

                    Unlawful use of a Weapon

                           

                  

DETAILS: On July 7, 2026, at 9:43 am, Deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence in the 900 block of Summer Lane in Grants Pass for a report of a missing person with suspicious circumstances.  Upon the initial investigation, it was determined that Randall “Randy” Hecker was missing from his residence and perhaps in danger.

 

Detectives from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and Grants Pass Police Department responded to the scene and began their investigation.  Investigators identified the suspect in this case as Israel Wytcherley who resides near the victim’s residence.  Wytcherley was located and contacted by investigators at a separate location within the city of Grants Pass.  Wytcherley was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on the above listed charges.

 

While this case is still under investigation, several details are not available for public release.  Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Randy Hecker who has not been seen since the incident occurred on July 7th.  Hecker is a 67-year-old white male who is 5’8" and approximately 185 pounds.  Hecker was last seen wearing blue/grey shorts, a light blue t-shirt and a backpack style sprayer similar to the one below.  The backpack sprayer has not been located and is of interest. 

 

Investigators discovered Wytcherley’s vehicle, a grey 2016 Chevy Silverado, was in the Galice area on the morning of July 7th, 2026.  If anyone recalls seeing this vehicle on the morning of July 7th in the Merlin or Galice area, we ask that you contact the Sheriff’s Office.

 

Wycherley was originally arrested and lodged on the above charges.  After further investigation, the charges were updated and a Josepine County Grand Jury indicted Wycherley on charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.  

 

 

 

Summer Lane Attempted Murder - 07/14/26

RELEASE DATE: July 14, 2026

                                                           

INCIDENT: Major Crimes Investigation

 

INCIDENT DATE: July 7, 2026

 

CASE NUMBER: 26-18588

 

REPORTING DEPUTY: Undersheriff Snyder

 

SUSPECT:  Israel Wytcherley, 50-year-old male

 

VICTIM/MISSING:  Randall Hecker, 67-year-old male

 

CHARGES: Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree

                    Assault I

                    Kidnapping in the 1st Degree

                    Unlawful use of a Weapon

                           

                  

DETAILS: On July 7, 2026, at 9:43 am, Deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence in the 900 block of Summer Lane in Grants Pass for a report of a missing person with suspicious circumstances.  Upon the initial investigation, it was determined that Randall “Randy” Hecker was missing from his residence and perhaps in danger.

 

Detectives from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and Grants Pass Police Department responded to the scene and began their investigation.  Investigators identified the suspect in this case as Israel Wytcherley who resides near the victim’s residence.  Wytcherley was located and contacted by investigators at a separate location within the city of Grants Pass.  Wytcherley was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on the above listed charges.

 

While this case is still under investigation, several details are not available for public release.  Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Randy Hecker who has not been seen since the incident occurred on July 7th.  Hecker is a 67-year-old white male who is 5’8" and approximately 185 pounds.  Hecker was last seen wearing blue/grey shorts, a light blue t-shirt and a backpack style sprayer similar to the one below.  The backpack sprayer has not been located and is of interest. 

 

Investigators discovered Wytcherley’s vehicle, a grey 2016 Chevy Silverado, was in the Galice area on the morning of July 7th, 2026.  If anyone recalls seeing this vehicle on the morning of July 7th in the Merlin or Galice area, we ask that you contact the Sheriff’s Office.

 

Wycherley was originally arrested and lodged on the above charges.  After further investigation, the charges were updated and a Josepine County Grand Jury indicted Wycherley on charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.