Oregon Transient Sentenced to 70 Months in Salem Stabbing

SALEM, Ore. (Mar. 1, 2026) — A 58-year-old homeless man was sentenced Thursday to nearly six years in prison for stabbing a landscaper at a Salem business complex earlier this year, according to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

Marion County Circuit Court Judge Amy Queen sentenced Jonathon L. Jones to 70 months in the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections after he was convicted of second-degree assault. The sentencing took place Feb. 26 in Marion County Circuit Court.

Police responded Jan. 7 to a reported stabbing at a business complex in the 4500 block of Commercial Street Southeast in Salem. The victim, identified as Victor Hernandez-Lopez, was taken to Salem Hospital for treatment of multiple stab wounds. A witness at the scene identified Jones as the assailant, authorities said.

Investigators said Jones was living in a tent within the business complex near where the assault occurred. At the time of the incident, Hernandez-Lopez was using a leaf blower while working as a landscaper in the area.

According to prosecutors, Jones told authorities he believed the noise and activity were blowing his belongings around, which angered him. He then stabbed Hernandez-Lopez. The knife used in the attack was later found among Jones’ belongings.

Under Oregon law, second-degree assault under these circumstances is classified as a Measure 11 offense, which carries a mandatory prison sentence. Those convicted are not eligible for early release or alternative programming.

“Our office remains committed to protecting the safety of everyone who lives and works in Marion County,” District Attorney Paige Clarkson said in a statement. “Violent acts like this have no place in our community. This sentence holds the offender accountable and helps to reinforce public safety for our residents and businesses in the area.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Meghan Kamps. The district attorney’s office thanked detectives and officers with the Salem Police Department for their response and investigation.