Man Found Guilty Except for Insanity in 2023 Homicide Near North Medford High School

Medford, Oregon- A Medford man who fatally assaulted a woman during her morning walk near North Medford High School last fall has been found guilty except for insanity and will spend the rest of his life under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Psychiatric Security Review Board, officials said Friday.

Anthony Siple, 24, was committed to the Oregon State Hospital following a stipulated-facts trial before Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Laura Cromwell. Siple was found guilty except for insanity on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and first-degree robbery stemming from the Nov. 18, 2023, attack on 51-year-old Jessa Dayr Delyon.

According to prosecutors, Siple violently assaulted Delyon while she was walking near the high school. The attack caused a skull fracture, severe brain swelling, and a significant brain bleed. Delyon was transported to a hospital and initially survived the injuries, but died on Dec. 5. An autopsy later confirmed her death was the result of blunt force head trauma, and ruled it a homicide.

The investigation revealed Siple made a series of delusional and paranoid statements about Delyon and his surroundings. He reportedly told law enforcement that Delyon was stalking the high school and intended to harm his mother. Siple also claimed he was in a simulation orchestrated by the government to test his ability to defend himself and his loved ones.

Authorities said Siple further claimed to be employed by former President Barack Obama, to have spoken with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and to have a father who designed NASCAR and law enforcement vehicles.

Two psychologists — one retained by the defense and another by the prosecution — independently evaluated Siple and diagnosed him with schizophrenia. Both concluded that Siple was experiencing active psychotic symptoms at the time of the offense and lacked the substantial capacity to understand the criminality of his conduct or to conform his actions to the law.

The psychologists also reported that despite extended treatment with medication while in custody, Siple continued to suffer from significant delusions.

Based on their findings and the evidence presented during the stipulated-facts trial, Judge Cromwell ruled Siple guilty except for insanity and ordered his commitment to the state psychiatric system for life.

The case was prosecuted by Jackson County District Attorney Patrick Green and Deputy District Attorney Wade Hilsher. Siple will be transferred from the Jackson County Jail to the Oregon State Hospital, a secure psychiatric facility.