Salem Man Receives 25 Years For July 1, 2023, Shooting Death - 08/25/25
State of Oregon v. Michael Ray Solis
Marion County Circuit Court Case 23CR34138
Salem, OR – August 25, 2025 – Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jodie A. Bureta has sentenced Michael Ray Solis, 21, to 25 years in the Oregon Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole for Manslaughter in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Firearm.
On July 1, 2023, Salem Police officers responded to reports of a shooting on Silverton Road NE. Medics arrived and found Steven Michael Hill, 34, deceased from a gunshot wound. Witnesses described three males running from the area, and surveillance video from nearby later confirmed those accounts. Through an extensive investigation, Salem Police Detectives were able to identify Solis as one of the individuals present at the shooting. Two witnesses present with Solis at the time identified him as the shooter, which Solis eventually admitted.
Investigators determined there was no prior known relationship between Solis and Hill, however Solis was associated with the 18th street gang, while Hill had tattoos affiliated with a Native American, but often rival, gang. The other two witnesses did not contribute to the criminal act and were not charged.
Solis was arrested on July 4, 2023, at the St. Paul Rodeo for being involved in a fight. Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Jorge Ramirez detained Solis, and as the two walked toward the patrol vehicle, a handgun fell from Solis’s pant leg. That handgun was later tested and found to be the firearm used to shoot Hill three days earlier. Solis was released at that time, but arrested on July 17, 2023, when law enforcement had sufficient information to charge him with the death of Mr. Hill.
The case was prosecuted by Chief DDA Brendan Murphy and DDA Justin Barbot-Wheaton.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy said: “This resolution was reached at the request of the victim’s family. Although Solis was initially charged with murder, the family’s priority was a guaranteed conviction that would not be overturned on appeal. I know they did not reach their decision lightly. This sentence ensures the same minimum incarceration length as murder and acknowledges Mr. Solis taking accountability for his actions. Most importantly, it provides Mr. Hill’s loved ones with a measure of justice and peace. The defendant will serve 25 years in prison with no chance of parole, bringing certainty to the family and a safer community.”
In Oregon, felony trial convictions may be appealed to higher courts, including the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Oregon. Sentences and convictions are often overturned or reduced, even when the state follows the law as it exists at the time of trial. By reaching a resolution that avoids a lengthy appeal process and costly trial, the DA’s office ensures a certain and final outcome for the victim’s family.
The Marion County District Attorney’s Office acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the Salem Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation and arrest of Solis.
Murphy added: “But for the relentless work of Salem Detective Stuart Gamble and the other detectives at Salem Police, I am convinced this case would have remained unresolved. Salem is lucky to have one of the best police departments I know of.”
District attorney Paige Clarkson echoed that statement: “Marion County is fortunate to have such diligent law enforcement investigators and partners. Through their work, we were able to provide the family with some sense of justice.”
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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