In the early hours of Saturday, November 18th, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) was inundated with calls, reporting a disturbance on North Keene Way Drive near North Medford High School. The callers described a scene of a female screaming and a male engaged in assault with a can of food. The situation escalated when the involved male himself dialed ECSO, admitting to the assault in somewhat incoherent statements.
Within a three-minute response time, officers arrived at the scene and apprehended 22-year-old Anthony Siple, who was found walking away from the location with evidence linking him to the assault. Simultaneously, other officers discovered the 51-year-old female victim nearby, in serious condition. Prompt medical responders transported her to a Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition.
Siple, now in custody, faces charges of Attempted Murder and Assault in the First Degree. Medford Police Detectives, leading an ongoing investigation, currently believe the suspect and victim were unknown to each other. It was revealed that Siple employed a blunt object during the assault (can of food), and this item has been successfully recovered.
Lieutenant Geoff Kirkpatrick of the Medford Police Department issued a cautionary statement: “While stranger-on-stranger assaults are extremely rare, the police department cautions people to remain vigilant during outside activities.” He emphasized the importance of group activities, daytime walks, carrying protective measures, and staying aware of one’s surroundings for personal safety.
As the investigation continues, detectives are working to determine the motivation behind the assault.
Records indicate that Siple, identified as homeless and from the Ashland area, has had minor encounters with law enforcement in Jackson County over the past year, including arrests for relatively minor offenses.
UPDATE: Friends of the victim released the following update regarding her condition: “Jessa underwent emergency surgery and is currently in an induced coma. The extent of her injuries is still unknown. She is currently fighting for her life.” A GoFundMe has been set up by family and friends of the victim, you can find the link here.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: MPD
