Police Arrest 19-Year-Old in West Medford Homicide Investigation

MEDFORD, Ore. (Jun. 3, 2026) — A 19-year-old man has been arrested on a murder charge following the death of a woman who was found critically injured near railroad tracks in west Medford on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Officers with the Medford Police Department responded at approximately 3:30 p.m. Tuesday after receiving reports from residents near West Jackson Street and Welch Street who heard what they believed was a serious assault taking place near the railroad tracks.

As officers arrived, witnesses directed them to an adult woman suffering from severe head injuries. Police and emergency medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was identified as 43-year-old Nicole Marie Dominguez. Authorities said her next of kin have been notified.

Investigators used witness statements and video evidence collected during the investigation to identify a suspect as 19-year-old Darius McCree-Santangelo. Police located him walking near West McAndrews Road and Summit Avenue about 20 minutes after the initial emergency call.

According to the Medford Police Department, surveillance footage provided by local businesses played a key role in linking McCree-Santangelo to the crime.

Police said investigators believe Dominguez and McCree-Santangelo were acquainted, though officials declined to release additional details about their relationship or the circumstances surrounding the incident as the investigation remains active.

McCree-Santangelo was booked into the Jackson County Jail on a charge of second-degree murder. Detectives have been working with prosecutors from the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, which will handle the prosecution of the case.

The Medford Police Department expressed condolences to Dominguez’s family, friends and loved ones.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details.