District Attorney Declines to File Charges in Fatal Central Point Stabbing

Central Point, Oregon- The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday it will not file criminal charges in the June 2024 fatal stabbing of Fuavaa Edmond Umu, citing insufficient evidence to disprove self-defense.

Umu, 26, died in the early hours of June 8 after an altercation at the home of his brother, Edwin Poasa Galo, and Galo’s wife, Soteria Faaolataga Galo, in the 2200 block of New Haven Drive in Central Point.

Central Point police responded to a disturbance at the residence around 4:27 a.m., where they found Umu with multiple stab wounds, another man — later identified as Edney Vena Umu — with a leg injury, and Soteria Galo unconscious with severe facial injuries. Fuavaa Umu was pronounced dead at the hospital; the other two were admitted for treatment.

Investigators say the two Umu brothers had been guests at the home that evening. All parties involved had consumed large amounts of alcohol when an argument escalated into a violent confrontation. Witnesses reported hearing a woman scream for help and a man yelling “get off of her.” A man was then seen punching and kicking a woman — later identified as Soteria Galo — who was found unconscious at the scene.

Edwin Galo told investigators he intervened to protect his wife and used a knife in a slashing motion after being knocked to the ground and suffering a head injury. Officials say evidence suggests the knife wounds to both brothers occurred during this act of defense.

Law enforcement agencies including the Central Point Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police Department, and Oregon State Police Crime Lab conducted an extensive investigation. Over 20 people were interviewed, but officials say the high level of intoxication and head injuries sustained by key individuals limited the clarity of events.

The District Attorney’s Office concluded that it could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Edwin Galo’s actions were unjustified under Oregon law, which permits the use of physical force in self-defense or defense of others if reasonably believed necessary. Additionally, authorities were unable to determine which of the two brothers assaulted Soteria Galo, and therefore could not pursue charges related to her injuries.

No surveillance footage of the incident was recovered, and neighbors were unable to provide additional details due to the darkness and chaos of the scene.

Authorities remarked that the case is now considered closed.