Joseph Wirkkala Sentenced To Life In Prison For 2025 Wallace Marine Park Murder. (Photo) - 09/01/26

DALLAS (OR) – Today, Polk County Circuit Judge Norman R. Hill sentenced Joseph Andrew Wirkkala, age 38, to life in prison for the 2025 murder in Salem’s Wallace Marine Park of Jacob Collazo, age 62. Under the terms of the sentence, Wirkkala will be required to serve a minimum of 32.5 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

In addition to the charge of Murder in the Second-Degree, a Polk County jury found Wirkkala, of Salem, guilty of Assault in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, and Reckless Endangering involving Mr. Collazo.  The jury also found Wirkkala guilty of Attempted Murder in the Second-Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Attempted Assault in the Fourth Degree, and Reckless Endangering, involving Nichelle Issak, age 36. The jury also found Wirkkala guilty of Recklessly Endangering a third victim, Edward Baker, age 50.

After the sentencing, Polk County Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew T. Wilson commented, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Collazo on their tragic and senseless loss. It is our hope that the court’s sentence today leaves them feeling that some measure of justice has been served. We also extend our gratitude to the dedicated officers of the Salem Police Department for their investigation and commitment to seeing Mr. Wirkkala brought to justice.”

The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew T. Wilson, and Deputy District Attorney Connor Amundson. The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and Oregon State Police.