White City, Oregon- Earlier today, authorities announced that Casey Ryan Helmka of Medford, (the victim of the January 28 shooting in White City) passed away on Wednesday, February 21, in an out-of-area hospital. Next of kin has been notified.
The suspect, Hector Cruz Orozco, 27, of White City, initially faced charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. However, during a Friday, February 22 hearing, a Jackson County Grand Jury elevated the charges to second-degree murder.
On the evening of January 28, at 6:51 p.m., Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to reports of gunshots and cries for help near 29th Street and Falcon Street.
Upon arrival, the suspect had already fled the scene. Initial investigations revealed that Orozco and the victim were at a mobile home in the 3700 block of Falcon Street when Orozco shot the victim at close range before fleeing on a bicycle.
The following day, JCSO detectives, after conducting thorough investigations, located Orozco at a residence in the 7800 block of Laura Lane in White City. With assistance from SWAT, K9 units, and the Crisis Negotiator Team, JCSO deputies executed a search warrant and took Orozco into custody on Monday, January 29, at 5:54 p.m.
The case remains under investigation as authorities work to uncover further details surrounding the incident.
Source: JCSO
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