Man Sentenced For Woodburn Grocery Store Armed Robbery - 03/11/26

State of Oregon v. Marcos Guzman-Barajas

Marion County Circuit Court Case 24CR20660

Man Sentenced in Marion County for Woodburn Grocery Store Robbery

Salem, OR – March 11, 2026 –  Today, The Honorable Marion County Circuit Court Judge Tracy Prall sentenced defendant Marcus Guzman-Barajas, age 27, to 190 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections. Guzman-Barajas pled guilty to two counts of Robbery in the First Degree with a Firearm, and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm.

The conviction stems from an April 2024 robbery that occurred just after closing at El Torito Market in Woodburn.  During the incident, Guzman-Barajas threatened multiple employees and a customer with a handgun while demanding access to the store’s money. He pointed the gun at a cashier’s head and told her he would shoot if she didn’t open the safe. She did not know the safe combination and feared for her life.  At one point Guzman-Barajas became upset and threw the safe on the floor.

A second store employee was forced to the ground at gun point and made to crawl towards the cash register to empty the tills while the defendant repeatedly stated, “I swear I will kill you”. The customer was also ordered to kneel while the gun was pointed at him.  Additional employees near the back of the store witnessed the incident and, while hiding, were able to call police.

When Woodburn Police Department arrived, Guzman-Barajos was found attempting to leave the property.  Officers detained him and recovered the weapon in a nearby grassy area.  The victims did not sustain any serious physical injury.

“This sentence reflects the serious nature of the crime. Multiple victims were genuinely and reasonably in fear for their lives, and law enforcement and the public was seriously threatened due to his actions,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy “We will continue to prioritize the prosecution of this type of serious crime.”

This case was prosecuted by DDA Shannon Sullivan. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office wishes to thank the Woodburn Police Department for their swift response and thorough investigation.

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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 May 2024 Death Of Girlfriend - 03/03/26

State of Oregon v. Atilano III Davalos III

Marion County: 24CR31639

Salem, OR – March 3, 2026 - Today, The Honorable Marion County Circuit Court Judge Sean Armstrong sentenced Atilano III Davalos III (age 40) to 110 months, or 9 years and 2 months, in the Oregon Department of Corrections after the defendant pled guilty to one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree for recklessly causing the death of Carla Vasquez.  

In the early morning hours on May 23, 2024, the defendant drove in a vehicle with Carla Vasquez as his passenger.  At the time, Vasquez and the defendant were in an on-again, off-again relationship.  They had gone to a bar after Vasquez finished work for the day. A video recovered from the defendant’s phone shows Vasquez, who had been drinking and was intoxicated, hanging out of the vehicle’s front passenger window while the defendant can be heard telling her to get back into the car.

At some point, the defendant turned off a busy road and into a residential area. Vehicle data showed he accelerated slightly, then abruptly and sharply braked causing Vasquez to be thrown from the vehicle and into the roadway. The vehicle’s built in dash camera shows the defendant stopping the vehicle, apparently exiting the car, and quickly returning to the car to drive away. Mr. Davalos III did not call 911, there is no evidence he attempted to aid Vasquez himself, and he made no effort to get Vasquez medical attention, including taking her to Salem Hospital which was approximately 6 minutes away from the location.  Vasquez’s body was discovered in the street shortly afterward by a resident in the 1000 block of Rural Avenue Southwest in Salem.

The defendant is known to have stayed at a relative's home for several days.  Salem SWAT later arrested him after he hid in his mother’s attic for six hours, despite repeated commands from Salem Police to exit the residence.   

Davalos was initially charged with Manslaughter in the First Degree, which carries a minimum sentence of 120 months in prison.  The Marion County District Attorney’s Office consulted with the victim’s family before accepting a plea agreement to Manslaughter in the Second Degree. In exchange for the guilty plea, Davalos asked the court to sentence him to 91 months.  However, after hearing from the State during the sentencing proceeding, the Judge imposed the State's requested enhanced sentence of 110 months without early release nor eligibility for other programming- 10 months less than Davalos would have received under the original Manslaughter in the First Degree charge.  (A guilty plea affords considerably less opportunities to challenge a conviciton in the future.)

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the Salem Police Department for its thorough investigation and to the officers and detectives whose work ensured justice in this case.  This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple.

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 Stabbing Landscaper - 02/27/26

Salem, OR – February 27, 2026 – On February 26, 2026, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Amy Queen sentenced Jonathon L. Jones (age 58) to 70 months in the Department of Corrections for Assault in the Second Degree.

On January 7, 2026, the Salem Police Department responded to a reported stabbing at the business complex located at 4500 Commercial Street Southeast. The victim, Victor Hernandez-Lopez, was transported to Salem Hospital for treatment of multiple stab wounds.  A witness at the scene identified Jones as the assailant.

Jones was known to live in a tent within the business complex near where the assault occurred.  At the time of the incident, the victim, a landscaper, was using a leaf-blower in the area. Jones claimed he believed the noise and activity were blowing his stuff around, which angered him.  He then stabbed Hernandez-Lopez.  The knife used in the assault was located among Jones’ belongings.  

Assault in the Second Degree under these circumstances is a Ballot Measure 11 offense, carrying a mandatory prison sentence.   There is no early release nor eligibility for alternative programming.

“Our office remains committed to protecting the safety of everyone who lives and works in Marion County,” said District Attorney Paige Clarkson. “Violent acts like this have no place in our community. This sentence holds the offender accountable and helps to reinforce public safety for our residents and businesses in the area.”

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Meghan Kamps. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office extends its appreciation to the detectives and officers of the Salem Police Department for their swift response and thorough investigation.

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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Marion County Will Not Be Dismissing Cases For Lack Of Defense Attorneys - 02/20/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Salem, OR – February 20, 2026 – Over the past several years, Oregon’s public defense system has faced increasing barriers to effective indigent defense.  Courts across the state have confronted persistent shortages of defense attorneys and rising numbers of unrepresented defendants. At its peak, Marion County had close to 1,000 individuals facing criminal charges without appointed counsel.

Oregon’s constitution provides a public defender to people charged with a crime who cannot otherwise afford a lawyer.  Earlier this month, the Oregon Supreme Court issued its decision in State v. Roberts, holding that criminal cases must be dismissed if a defendant is not provided with counsel within 60 days in misdemeanor cases or 90 days in felony cases following their first court appearance.

Since Roberts, DA’s offices across the state- especially in counties designated as “crises counties,” or those who have large numbers of cases with unrepresented defendants- have had to dismiss their prosecutions.

Fortunately, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office is proud to report that in the days leading up to the Roberts decision, Marion County reduced its unrepresented list to zero.

This progress reflects extensive coordination across the Marion County justice system. Marion County Deputy District Attorneys worked closely with defense providers, including the Marion County Association of Defense Counsel, alongside the leadership of then-Presiding Judge Tracy Prall. Through coordinated case management, special dockets, and ongoing communication regarding attorney availability, Marion County was able to significantly reduce its unrepresented caseload.

Marion County’s early challenges were substantial. Previously one of the state’s crisis counties, the local system struggled to meet demand when defense providers reached maximum allowable caseloads, or “MAC.”  This contributed to a growing backlog of unrepresented defendants and placed strains on victims accessing rights and law enforcement feeling seeing results. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office declined to dismiss cases, provide favorable resolutions, and was unwilling to not file certain categories of cases. 

Instead, Marion County prioritized in-custody cases, expanded docketing efforts, and worked collaboratively with defense partners willing to take on additional appointments.

“We took this crisis seriously from the beginning,” said Paige Clarkson, Marion County District Attorney. “Through strong collaboration with our partners, we were able to recently reduce our unrepresented list to zero and ensure cases continued moving forward.”

Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy added, “I’m very proud of our team. This progress reflects a tremendous amount of work within the District Attorney’s Office and across the justice system, especially with local defense providers and the court. While the statewide challenges remain, Marion County has again demonstrated that focused local efforts and collaboration can make a significant impact on public safety.”

“The bottom line is when someone is charged with a crime, we must get that case into court,” he said.

Recent legislative investments and structural changes to the state’s public defense system have been significant. During the 2025 legislative session a nearly 15% budget increase to the Oregon Public Defense Commission was approved, for a total allocation of $707 million.  That is a 49% increase from 2019-20, when the state spent $367 million on Oregon’s public defense. 

While encouraged by the progress, DA Clarkson emphasized, “we must remain committed to a criminal justice system that prioritizes representation for all accused so that we can meet our public safety obligations to everyone. This is especially true considering the significant state-wide investment over recent years.”

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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.

Marion County Public Safety Leaders Warn Of Risks To Public Due To Oregon State Hospital Release (Photo) - 02/12/26

Salem, OR – February 12, 2026 – Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson, Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter, and Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack are sounding the alarm over the release of a patient from the Oregon State Hospital, citing serious risks to community safety.

Background
Grant Brannaman (age 42) was released from the Oregon State Hospital into a Secure Residential Treatment Facility (SRTF) in Marion County on February 10 after the end of his Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) jurisdiction. He’s been held at the Oregon State Hospital following 2021 Josephine County convictions for the following crimes:

• Arson in the Second Degree
• Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (3 counts)
• Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon

Brannaman pled Guilty Except for Insanity and was placed under PSRB supervision for a maximum of five years by operation of law.

A person is guilty except for insanity¹ if, at the time of engaging in criminal conduct, the person lacks substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality of the conduct or to conform the conduct to the requirements of law. Individuals who plead GEI are under the PSRB supervision, who have the legal authority to either hold the individual in custody at the State Hospital, or if appropriate and safe, release them to the community. The length of the sentence for these individuals is no more than the maximum sentence they could have received if found guilty of the crime. (Sentencing guidelines do not apply to the length of PSRB supervision)

Brannaman spent his entire five years at the Oregon State Hospital (OSH), with his supervision period terminating February 8, 2026. He served his period having never been granted any lower level of supervision nor conditional release. Prior to his Josephine County matter, Brannaman’s previous criminal history includes convictions from several other counties – none of which were Marion County- for Criminal Trespass in the First Degree, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, Unlawful use of a Weapon, Menacing, Rape in the Third Degree, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Private Indecency, Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, and Assault in the Fourth Degree.² Brannaman, a Level 3 Sex Offender, has expressed the desire to reoffend, and the PSRB recently found that it was not in the best interest of justice, or the protection of society for him to be released.³

In anticipation of this expiration, the District Attorney’s office repeatedly requested that the Oregon State Hospital not release Brannaman; and secondarily, that they not release him into Marion County, as he has no local ties and his original crimes occurred in an entirely different part of the state. Specifically, the District Attorney’s Office communicated its significant safety concerns to several state authorities, including OSH Administration, the Federal Court Appointed OSH Monitor, Dr. Deborah Pinals, and the Oregon Department of Justice, urging that Brannaman remain housed at OSH.

Brannaman’s supervision under the PSRB has now expired. Despite expressing those concerns and Brannaman’s lack of local, Marion County ties, Brannaman was released this week from OSH into Jory Behavioral Health (a SRTF) in Salem, Marion County, Oregon.

“The broken nature of Oregon’s mental health system has never been more evident than when an obviously dangerous person is released into a community in which he has no connection, all while public safety professionals agree he needs the security and treatment that only the state hospital can provide,” said District Attorney Paige Clarkson. “Given that our concerns have been unheeded at the state level, we must now warn our community.”

Sheriff Hunter stated, “I am gravely concerned about the decision to release this individual into the community. This represents a serious failure within our mental health system and creates an immediate and unacceptable risk to public safety.”

Chief Trevor Womack said, “The release of Brannaman highlights an alarming gap in our state mental health system’s ability to prevent high-risk individuals from returning to our neighborhoods. Our responsibility now is to ensure residents are fully informed. We will be proactive in pushing this information out to community leaders, service partners, and the public to safeguard our city.”

District Attorney Clarkson added, “State statute needs to be revised to align with Department of Corrections requirement to release offenders back to the adjudicating county. And the Oregon State Hospital must responsibly meet its public safety obligations to our communities by securely holding those who need their services.”

1 Source: “Adult GEI,” Oregon.gov, https://www.oregon.gov/prb/pages/adult_gei.aspx (accessed February 11, 2026).

2 Case Nos. Benton County: CM1021375, Lincoln County: 133273, Lane County: 201322257, Lane County: 16CR08753, Lane County: 17CR45991, Benton County: 20CR33475, Josephine County: 20CR65083.
3 See PSRB Order of Discharge attached.
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