Investigation Continues for Ashland Murder, No General Threat to Public
Investigators from the Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit have spent the week furthering the investigation into the murder of Matthew Vandersande. The investigative team is made up of members of the Ashland Police, Medford Police, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the Jackson County District Attorney’s office and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab. Throughout the last week, several Ashland neighborhoods have seen detectives canvassing the area, interviewing possible witnesses and seeking evidence. Several search warrants have been obtained and executed, and several items of evidentiary value collected. More search warrants will be sought as needed as the investigation progresses. The investigation continues to lead investigators to believe that there is not a general threat to the community. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to reach out to the Ashland Police Department.
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Kelsey Peak Fire Containment increases to 23%, Firefighters Continue Mop-Up
Mop-up operations on the Kelsey Peak Fire have improved containment to 23%. Increased containment reflects the focused work crews have been accomplishing each day. Some portions of the fire have been mopped up 100 feet into the interior. Yesterday, helicopters were used to drop water on hot spots, moderating fire behavior and allowing firefighters to cool the area. They will be available again today for bucket work and to bring pumps and hose to the fire line in difficult terrain. Crews today are using infrared maps from an Unmanned Aircraft flight late yesterday to identify areas of heat. The Rogue River remains open for permitted boaters near the Kelsey Peak Fire, however boaters are encouraged to use caution on this part of the river.
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Jackson County SO Responded to Fatal Head-On Collision on Highway 62 in Shady Cove
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash Tuesday on Highway 62 in Shady Cove. Dispatch received a call for a head-on collision at 2:18 p.m. involving multiple vehicles in the 20,000 block of Highway 62. Officers arrived along with Jackson County Fire District 4 and Mercy Flights to find one driver, John Steven Renfro, 72, of Shady Cove, deceased at the scene. Next-of-kin has been notified. Officers found another driver in serious condition. Mercy Flights transported the injured patient to a local hospital where they remain in stable condition. The Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team and JCSO Medical Examiners responded to investigate. The preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota Tundra, operated by Renfro, was traveling northbound on Highway 62 near Cindy Way in Shady Cove. He crossed over the center line for unknown reasons, and struck a southbound Dodge Durango head on.
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