Murder Arrest -11/30/24

**Correction**

The incident occurred on November 27, 2024, not November 24, 2024.

 

On November 24, 2024 at about 2051 hours the Newport Police Department responded to 207 NW 15^th St. in Newport regarding a disturbance. Newport Officers arrived on scene and contacted the persons present.  Officers spoke with a tenant, Jeffrey Sutton.  He relayed that Mark Rodgers was at his house and described him as intoxicated and belligerent.  Sutton told Rodgers to leave his residence, and Rodgers began repeatedly punching Sutton in the head and body.  While Sutton spoke with officers, he began to have a hard time breathing and showed signs of respiratory distress.  Officers requested medics and rendered aid to Sutton.

 

Sutton became unresponsive as Officers spoke with him. Medics arrived on scene and began CPR. At 2133 hours, Sutton was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 

Based on witness statements and evidence gathered at the scene, Officers learned Rodgers had struck Sutton repeatedly with a closed fist in the face and body.

 

Mark Rodgers, 68, was taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges:

 

• Murder 2
• Assault 2

 

The Lincoln County Major Crime Team responded to assist with the investigation.  If you have any information regarding this case, contact the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.