Arrest Made In Drive-By Shooting Investigation
- 09/01/26
On August 20, 2026, the Medford Police Department received a report that a residence in the 3000 block of Carnelian Street had been damaged by gunfire during the previous night. Investigators confirmed that a window had been struck by a bullet and, through video evidence, identified a vehicle believed to be involved.
The same residence was previously targeted in drive-by shootings on July 26 and July 27, 2025. During that investigation, detectives developed probable cause to arrest 31-year-old Joel Matthew Caswell. Caswell was arrested on August 27, 2025, and remains in custody.
During the current investigation, detectives determined that Caswell was associated with 50-year-old Phillip Leo Muradanes. Detectives also identified Muradanes as being associated with a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle believed to have been used in the August 20 shooting.
On August 31, 2026, detectives located Muradanes at a local motel and took him into custody. He was lodged on the following charges:
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree
- Parole Board Warrant
Based on the investigation, detectives developed probable cause to believe Caswell conspired with Muradanes in the August 20, 2026, drive-by shooting.
On August 31, 2026, Caswell was charged with:
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Use of a Weapon
The case has been forwarded to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. No further information will be released at this time.
Arrest Made In Drive-By Shooting Investigation
- 09/01/26
On August 20, 2026, the Medford Police Department received a report that a residence in the 3000 block of Carnelian Street had been damaged by gunfire during the previous night. Investigators confirmed that a window had been struck by a bullet and, through video evidence, identified a vehicle believed to be involved.
The same residence was previously targeted in drive-by shootings on July 26 and July 27, 2025. During that investigation, detectives developed probable cause to arrest 31-year-old Joel Matthew Caswell. Caswell was arrested on August 27, 2025, and remains in custody.
During the current investigation, detectives determined that Caswell was associated with 50-year-old Phillip Leo Muradanes. Detectives also identified Muradanes as being associated with a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle believed to have been used in the August 20 shooting.
On August 31, 2026, detectives located Muradanes at a local motel and took him into custody. He was lodged on the following charges:
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree
- Parole Board Warrant
Based on the investigation, detectives developed probable cause to believe Caswell conspired with Muradanes in the August 20, 2026, drive-by shooting.
On August 31, 2026, Caswell was charged with:
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Use of a Weapon
The case has been forwarded to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. No further information will be released at this time.