On July 20th, 2021, Kristopher Clay, 24 years old, arrived in the Medford Police lobby to request to speak with an officer. He told the officer he was having homicidal thoughts with plans to carry them out. The officer transported Clay to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center – Behavioral Health Unit.
An investigation began, which resulted in several search warrants being served in various locations in Jackson County. Items of evidence were seized to include; ammunition, firearms, tactical gear and written material. The investigation indicated Clay made significant steps to carry out a mass casualty event.
Clay was employed as a custodian at South Medford High School. Officials from the Medford School District were contacted. School officials, with the assistance of School Resource Officers, conducted a thorough sweep of the high school to ensure there were no active threats. School officials pursued termination of Clay’s employment and he is no longer employed with the School District.
Clay has no known prior criminal convictions, but is prohibited from possessing firearms, due to a court order under ORS 426.130. The investigation revealed he obtained firearms through various channels.
On August 4th, 2021, Clay was taken into custody at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center just prior to his discharge, for several charges to include Attempted Murder. The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office has filed the following charges:
- Attempted Murder 2nd Degree
- Attempted Assault 1st Degree
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon x 2
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm x 2
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
It should be noted that Clay was in protective custody up to the point he was placed under arrest. The Medford Police Department would like to thank the many agencies involved in this case, and we are relieved a potentially catastrophic event was prevented.
