Phoenix, Oregon- A man was arrested Friday morning in connection with the death of a Phoenix woman earlier this week, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said.
William Irvin Hastings, 60, of Eagle Point, was taken into custody during a traffic stop on Highway 62 near Vilas Road in Medford. He is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree abuse of a corpse in the death of Julie Renee Hastings, 60, of Phoenix.
Deputies initially responded Wednesday night to a welfare check at a residence in the 4000 block of South Pacific Highway, just outside of Phoenix. After forcing entry into the home, they discovered the woman deceased under suspicious circumstances.
Detectives from the sheriff’s office, along with medical examiners, assumed control of the investigation. They were assisted by the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, and police departments from Medford and Phoenix.
Authorities confirmed Friday that the case had developed from a suspicious death into a homicide investigation. Hastings is currently lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
The investigation remains active, and detectives are continuing to pursue leads. No further details have been released.
The sheriff’s office extended condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
Source: JCSO
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