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News Release

Salem Man Sentenced For Sodomy And Sexual Abuse - 09/22/25

State of Oregon v. Armando Marquez-Zacarias

Marion County Circuit Court Case 23CR23365 

Salem, OR – September 22, 2025 – Today the Honorable Marion County Circuit Court Judge Natasha Zimmerman sentenced Armando Marquez-Zacarias, 45, to 25 years in the Department of Corrections and a lifetime of post-prison supervision after a jury convicted him of Sodomy in the First Degree and three counts of Sexual Abuse in the First degree.  All counts involved juvenile victims.

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office filed charges in 2023.  The four counts filed involved three separate victims that ranged in ages from nine to thirteen years old. The incidents occurred on separate occasions. Two of the victims disclosed to authorities at the same time and the third victim independently disclosed to authorities approximately a year later.  

A jury trial was held beginning on September 17, 2025.  After three days of testimony and a short deliberation, the 12-person jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on all counts.  Today’s sentencing includes enhanced mandatory minimums for certain offenses against young children.  Oregon’s version of “Jessica’s Law,” enacted by the Legislature and codified in the mandatory-minimum statutes, imposes increased minimum sentences for certain first-degree sexual offenses committed against very young children (25-year / 300-month mandatory minimum in applicable cases). Because at least one of the convictions involved a victim under the statute’s age threshold, the court-imposed sentence is consistent with those mandatory provisions.

 “We admire the bravery of the victims who came forward and are thankful for the hard work of the investigators whose work made this outcome possible,” said Paige Clarkson, Marion County’s District Attorney.   Chief Deputy Brendan Murphy added, “child sexual abuse cases are among the most serious and difficult cases that we prosecute; today’s sentence reflects the law’s severity for these crimes and our commitment to protecting children and seeking justice for victims.”

The Marion County DA’s office wishes to acknowledge the sensitive and incredible work of Liberty House, and the dedicated officers at the Keizer and Salem Police Departments for their outstanding investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kylie Kuhns.

Because the victims are minors, no identifying information will be released. 

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 Sodomy And Sexual Abuse - 09/22/25

State of Oregon v. Armando Marquez-Zacarias

Marion County Circuit Court Case 23CR23365 

Salem, OR – September 22, 2025 – Today the Honorable Marion County Circuit Court Judge Natasha Zimmerman sentenced Armando Marquez-Zacarias, 45, to 25 years in the Department of Corrections and a lifetime of post-prison supervision after a jury convicted him of Sodomy in the First Degree and three counts of Sexual Abuse in the First degree.  All counts involved juvenile victims.

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office filed charges in 2023.  The four counts filed involved three separate victims that ranged in ages from nine to thirteen years old. The incidents occurred on separate occasions. Two of the victims disclosed to authorities at the same time and the third victim independently disclosed to authorities approximately a year later.  

A jury trial was held beginning on September 17, 2025.  After three days of testimony and a short deliberation, the 12-person jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on all counts.  Today’s sentencing includes enhanced mandatory minimums for certain offenses against young children.  Oregon’s version of “Jessica’s Law,” enacted by the Legislature and codified in the mandatory-minimum statutes, imposes increased minimum sentences for certain first-degree sexual offenses committed against very young children (25-year / 300-month mandatory minimum in applicable cases). Because at least one of the convictions involved a victim under the statute’s age threshold, the court-imposed sentence is consistent with those mandatory provisions.

 “We admire the bravery of the victims who came forward and are thankful for the hard work of the investigators whose work made this outcome possible,” said Paige Clarkson, Marion County’s District Attorney.   Chief Deputy Brendan Murphy added, “child sexual abuse cases are among the most serious and difficult cases that we prosecute; today’s sentence reflects the law’s severity for these crimes and our commitment to protecting children and seeking justice for victims.”

The Marion County DA’s office wishes to acknowledge the sensitive and incredible work of Liberty House, and the dedicated officers at the Keizer and Salem Police Departments for their outstanding investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kylie Kuhns.

Because the victims are minors, no identifying information will be released. 

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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Bush Park Murderer Sentenced - 09/05/25

State of Oregon v. Nathaniel McCrae, Jr.

Marion County: 24JU01361 and Marion County Circuit Court Case 25CR49762

Salem, OR – September 5, 2025 – Today Nathaniel McCrae Jr., admitted in Marion County juvenile court case number 24JU01361 to Murder in the Second Degree for the March 7, 2024, Bush Park shooting death of Josue Vasquez-Valenzuela, 16.  In addition to his admission to Murder, McCrae also pled guilty in Marion County Circuit Court 25CR49762 (“adult court”) to Unlawful Use of a Weapon with Firearm.

McCrae was 16 years old at the time the shooting occurred.   

On March 7, 2024, at 1:44pm, two large, but separate groups of young adults approached each other at Bush Park in Salem, Oregon.  A confrontation ensued, which led to Defendant drawing a gun and intentionally shooting at the victims’ crowd.   Vasquez-Valenzuela received one gunshot wound to the left chest and died on scene.  Two additional minors suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds.

Pursuant to a stipulated agreement between the parties, Defendant was sentenced to the legal custody of the Oregon Youth Authority for the maximum period allowed by law, which is up to his 25th birthday.   In addition, he will serve a minimum of 60 months in the Department of Corrections (to be served at OYA) for the adult conviction. Those sentences will be served concurrently.

Senate Bill 1008 was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2019 and drastically changed how youth that commit violent felonies are charged under Oregon law.  Now, the state must prove that at the time of the conduct, that youth have an “adult-like” understanding of the nature and quality of their conduct and that the juvenile justice system has no reformative value, among multiple other factors.  See e.g., ORS 419C.349.  This exceedingly high legal standard makes adult convictions for youth rare and incredibly difficult to obtain.

Even if they are waived into adult court, waived defendants are eligible for release after 15 years and halfway through their sentences, regardless of the crime of conviction or number of victims.

Conversely, if an adult conviction cannot be obtained, the maximum sentence any youth can serve under Oregon law for any juvenile conviction (“adjudication”) is until their 25th birthday, regardless of the nature of the offense and the number of incidents or victims they offend against.

Rather than risk the case being resolved solely in juvenile court, here, the state agreed to a bifurcated resolution in which Defendant admitted to murder as a juvenile and received an adult felony firearm conviction. This structure prohibits Defendant from possessing firearms in the future. [1]

“Oregonians deserve a fix regarding how we deal with juveniles who commit murder and other violent offenses,” said Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson.  “The loss to the victim’s family is immeasurable and the impact on our community in this case was severe.  The current law only serves to traumatize these victims further and is contrary to common sense and public safety.”

Understanding that the Defendant could be released after only eight short years, the victim’s family expressed dismay at Oregon’s law, telling the judge they did not feel the system was fair and they did not receive a just result.

The case was prosecuted by Chief DDA Brendan Murphy, DDA Rachel Klein and DDA Tim O’Donnell.   The case was investigated by Salem Police Detective Anothony Vandekoppel.

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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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[1] Juvenile court adjudications are not considered convictions, limiting the state’s ability to charge enhanced crimes in the future such as felon in possession of a firearm.

Bush Park Murderer Sentenced - 09/05/25

State of Oregon v. Nathaniel McCrae, Jr.

Marion County: 24JU01361 and Marion County Circuit Court Case 25CR49762

Salem, OR – September 5, 2025 – Today Nathaniel McCrae Jr., admitted in Marion County juvenile court case number 24JU01361 to Murder in the Second Degree for the March 7, 2024, Bush Park shooting death of Josue Vasquez-Valenzuela, 16.  In addition to his admission to Murder, McCrae also pled guilty in Marion County Circuit Court 25CR49762 (“adult court”) to Unlawful Use of a Weapon with Firearm.

McCrae was 16 years old at the time the shooting occurred.   

On March 7, 2024, at 1:44pm, two large, but separate groups of young adults approached each other at Bush Park in Salem, Oregon.  A confrontation ensued, which led to Defendant drawing a gun and intentionally shooting at the victims’ crowd.   Vasquez-Valenzuela received one gunshot wound to the left chest and died on scene.  Two additional minors suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds.

Pursuant to a stipulated agreement between the parties, Defendant was sentenced to the legal custody of the Oregon Youth Authority for the maximum period allowed by law, which is up to his 25th birthday.   In addition, he will serve a minimum of 60 months in the Department of Corrections (to be served at OYA) for the adult conviction. Those sentences will be served concurrently.

Senate Bill 1008 was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2019 and drastically changed how youth that commit violent felonies are charged under Oregon law.  Now, the state must prove that at the time of the conduct, that youth have an “adult-like” understanding of the nature and quality of their conduct and that the juvenile justice system has no reformative value, among multiple other factors.  See e.g., ORS 419C.349.  This exceedingly high legal standard makes adult convictions for youth rare and incredibly difficult to obtain.

Even if they are waived into adult court, waived defendants are eligible for release after 15 years and halfway through their sentences, regardless of the crime of conviction or number of victims.

Conversely, if an adult conviction cannot be obtained, the maximum sentence any youth can serve under Oregon law for any juvenile conviction (“adjudication”) is until their 25th birthday, regardless of the nature of the offense and the number of incidents or victims they offend against.

Rather than risk the case being resolved solely in juvenile court, here, the state agreed to a bifurcated resolution in which Defendant admitted to murder as a juvenile and received an adult felony firearm conviction. This structure prohibits Defendant from possessing firearms in the future. [1]

“Oregonians deserve a fix regarding how we deal with juveniles who commit murder and other violent offenses,” said Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson.  “The loss to the victim’s family is immeasurable and the impact on our community in this case was severe.  The current law only serves to traumatize these victims further and is contrary to common sense and public safety.”

Understanding that the Defendant could be released after only eight short years, the victim’s family expressed dismay at Oregon’s law, telling the judge they did not feel the system was fair and they did not receive a just result.

The case was prosecuted by Chief DDA Brendan Murphy, DDA Rachel Klein and DDA Tim O’Donnell.   The case was investigated by Salem Police Detective Anothony Vandekoppel.

####

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.

###

 

[1] Juvenile court adjudications are not considered convictions, limiting the state’s ability to charge enhanced crimes in the future such as felon in possession of a firearm.

Marion County Man Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison On Multiple Counts Including Rape In The First Degree - 09/04/25

Marion County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison on Multiple Counts Including Rape in the First Degree

State of Oregon v. Pablo Salazar-Ramirez

Marion County Circuit Court Case 24CR32015

September 4, 2025 - On September 3, 2025, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hart sentenced Pablo Salazar-Ramirez, age 73, to 25 years in prison.  He was charged on three counts of Rape in the First Degree, two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, two counts of Extortion, and one count each of Coercion, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Assault in the Fourth Degree constituting Domestic Violence. Mr. Salazar-Ramirez will also be required to register as a sex offender.

These convictions stem from approximately 14 years of the defendant sexually abusing a minor and committing domestic violence against his intimate partner. These acts came to light in June of 2024 when the defendant punched his domestic partner in the face and her daughter - the victim of the sexual violence – called 911.

Marion County Sherriff’s deputies arrived and separated the victims from the defendant. When contacted by a female deputy, the younger disclosed the sexual violence. She explained that she had remained silent for years out of fear of the defendant’s threats. 

Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple, who prosecuted the case, argued that a sentence of 30 years was appropriate for the defendant’s repeated violent acts against both women despite the defendant’s age.

The defense requested a 10-year sentence, citing the defendant’s age and health issues.

During the sentencing when Judge Hart imposed the 25-year prison sentence, he told Salazar-Ramirez that what he had done was horrendous and the consequences for his bad actions had finally caught up to him.

The Marion County District Attorney acknowledges the hard work of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and their arrest of Salazar-Ramirez. 

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 Man Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison On Multiple Counts Including Rape In The First Degree - 09/04/25

Marion County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison on Multiple Counts Including Rape in the First Degree

State of Oregon v. Pablo Salazar-Ramirez

Marion County Circuit Court Case 24CR32015

September 4, 2025 - On September 3, 2025, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hart sentenced Pablo Salazar-Ramirez, age 73, to 25 years in prison.  He was charged on three counts of Rape in the First Degree, two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, two counts of Extortion, and one count each of Coercion, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Assault in the Fourth Degree constituting Domestic Violence. Mr. Salazar-Ramirez will also be required to register as a sex offender.

These convictions stem from approximately 14 years of the defendant sexually abusing a minor and committing domestic violence against his intimate partner. These acts came to light in June of 2024 when the defendant punched his domestic partner in the face and her daughter - the victim of the sexual violence – called 911.

Marion County Sherriff’s deputies arrived and separated the victims from the defendant. When contacted by a female deputy, the younger disclosed the sexual violence. She explained that she had remained silent for years out of fear of the defendant’s threats. 

Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple, who prosecuted the case, argued that a sentence of 30 years was appropriate for the defendant’s repeated violent acts against both women despite the defendant’s age.

The defense requested a 10-year sentence, citing the defendant’s age and health issues.

During the sentencing when Judge Hart imposed the 25-year prison sentence, he told Salazar-Ramirez that what he had done was horrendous and the consequences for his bad actions had finally caught up to him.

The Marion County District Attorney acknowledges the hard work of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and their arrest of Salazar-Ramirez. 

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. 

Former Oregon Youth Authority Employee Arraigned On Charges Of Supplying Contraband, Sexual Misconduct And Providing Firearms. - 09/03/25

Today, former Oregon Youth Authority employee Cherie MacDougall (3/31/1983) was arraigned in Marion County Circuit Court on a Grand Jury Indictment charging her with:

  • three counts of supplying contraband;
  • three counts of conspiracy to supply contraband;
  • two counts of custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree, and;
  • two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. 

The charges stem from a co-investigation between the Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Justice for conduct that occurred in 2022.   According to a court exhibit, MacDougall was paid by incarcerated individuals to provide them with vaping devices.  She later provided that same person with two firearms after that individual was released from custody on conditional release in the community. The grand jury also indicted MacDougall for engaging in a sexual relationship with that same person.

The case is Marion County Circuit Court case 25CR47112. Based on the seriousness of the conduct, the state requested $500,000 bail. Marion County Judge Pro Tem Matthew Tracey imposed bail at $100,000.  The next scheduled date is September 11, 2025 at 8:30AM at the Marion County Annex at 4000 Aumsville Highway SE, Salem, Oregon.

MacDougall’s employment with the Oregon Youth Authority ended on May 10, 2023.

This indictment is only one of several criminal indictments issued by the Marion County Grand Jury during the inquiry regarding the conditions and managements of MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, a closed custody facility run by the Oregon Youth Authority.  See June 16, 2025, release: “Marion County District Attorney Opens Grand Jury Inquiry Regarding MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.”

The case is being prosecuted by Marion County Deputy District Attorney Kylie Kuhns and Special Deputy District Attorney Kurt Miller.  Miller is a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Oregon Department of Justice assisting with the MacLaren inquiry.  The Marion County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police and Department of Justice for their collaboration on this investigation.


Due to the pending criminal prosecution of MacDougall, no further information will be released at this time.

Inquiries can be sent to Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy BPMurphy@co.marion.or.us

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About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The Districty 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. 

Former Oregon Youth Authority Employee Arraigned On Charges Of Supplying Contraband, Sexual Misconduct And Providing Firearms. - 09/03/25

Today, former Oregon Youth Authority employee Cherie MacDougall (3/31/1983) was arraigned in Marion County Circuit Court on a Grand Jury Indictment charging her with:

  • three counts of supplying contraband;
  • three counts of conspiracy to supply contraband;
  • two counts of custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree, and;
  • two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. 

The charges stem from a co-investigation between the Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Justice for conduct that occurred in 2022.   According to a court exhibit, MacDougall was paid by incarcerated individuals to provide them with vaping devices.  She later provided that same person with two firearms after that individual was released from custody on conditional release in the community. The grand jury also indicted MacDougall for engaging in a sexual relationship with that same person.

The case is Marion County Circuit Court case 25CR47112. Based on the seriousness of the conduct, the state requested $500,000 bail. Marion County Judge Pro Tem Matthew Tracey imposed bail at $100,000.  The next scheduled date is September 11, 2025 at 8:30AM at the Marion County Annex at 4000 Aumsville Highway SE, Salem, Oregon.

MacDougall’s employment with the Oregon Youth Authority ended on May 10, 2023.

This indictment is only one of several criminal indictments issued by the Marion County Grand Jury during the inquiry regarding the conditions and managements of MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, a closed custody facility run by the Oregon Youth Authority.  See June 16, 2025, release: “Marion County District Attorney Opens Grand Jury Inquiry Regarding MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.”

The case is being prosecuted by Marion County Deputy District Attorney Kylie Kuhns and Special Deputy District Attorney Kurt Miller.  Miller is a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Oregon Department of Justice assisting with the MacLaren inquiry.  The Marion County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police and Department of Justice for their collaboration on this investigation.


Due to the pending criminal prosecution of MacDougall, no further information will be released at this time.

Inquiries can be sent to Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy BPMurphy@co.marion.or.us

*******

About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The Districty 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. 

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.

###

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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