FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPDATE: November 26, 2024 | 3:30 p.m.
Suspect now in custody
Police investigate stabbing incident as a homicide
Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit detectives arrested a Salem teenager today for his involvement in the death of Riley John Adams, age 19. Adams was critically injured in a July 27 stabbing incident at Wallace Marine Park and subsequently died from his injuries on August 19.
During the investigation, Salem Police detectives learned the stabbing incident resulted from a spontaneous dispute amongst youth gathered at the Wallace Marine Park boat ramp that July morning.
Today, Salem Police detectives from various units, with assistance from the SWAT team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), served a search warrant at a residence associated with the 16-year-old male suspect in the case. The boy was detained without incident and lodged at the Yamhill County Juvenile Detention Center on the charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon, the knife.
With the only suspect in the case now in custody, all further inquiries about this investigation should be directed to the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.
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Originally published 08/20/2024 | 3:00 p.m.
Police investigate stabbing incident as a homicide
Salem, Ore. — The Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit is investigating a stabbing incident that occurred in late July at Wallace Marine Park in west Salem.
At about 2:15 a.m. on July 27, patrol officers responded to the call of a victim with a stab wound who was in the south end of the park. Officers found a young adult with multiple stab wounds and provided emergency medical aid. Paramedics arrived and transported the victim to Salem Health.
The victim is identified as Riley John Adams, a 19-year-old Salem resident. Adams remained hospitalized and in critical condition until his death on Monday, August 19. The incident is being investigated as a homicide.
Anyone with information concerning what transpired that Saturday morning and led to Adams’ death is asked to call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503‑588‑8477.
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