Washington County, Oregon – In February of this year, Washington County law enforcement received a distress call detailing a vicious assault outside a business office. The victim, a 47-year-old male, disclosed that he had been ambushed and shot multiple times in the legs with a shotgun. Fortunately, the injuries sustained were non-life-threatening, and the victim was transported to the hospital, subsequently released after receiving medical care.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit mobilized, conducting thorough interviews and collecting evidence at the crime scene, which included the shotgun used in the attack. The investigation identified George Ditzler, 43, of Marietta, Pennsylvania, as a person of interest.
Ditzler’s connection to the victim was revealed through a prior romantic relationship with an individual who later became associated with the assaulted party. Further inquiry into the matter unearthed disturbing details, suggesting that Ditzler had allegedly orchestrated a plan to kill the victim—a plot disclosed to an acquaintance who later cooperated with detectives.
A critical breakthrough in the case occurred with DNA analysis conducted by the Oregon State Police Crime Lab on the shotgun, conclusively implicating Ditzler in the assault. Subsequently, on December 20, 2023, a grand jury handed down indictments against Ditzler, charging him with attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, and unlawful use of a weapon (two counts).
The pursuit of justice did not stop there, as Ditzler was apprehended on December 22, 2023, by the Lancaster Police Bureau in Pennsylvania, following the issuance of an arrest warrant. Currently awaiting extradition to Oregon, Ditzler will face the charges brought against him in a court of law.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
Source: WCSO
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