A quadruple homicide in Oregon came to a sudden end this weekend after cops used deadly force on a suspect who was trying to kill a young girl, police said.
Sheriff's office deputies responded to a call on Saturday involving multiple-homicide/domestic violence in unincorporated Woodburn, Clackamas County, at roughly 10:15 p.m., Sgt. Brian Jensen, the department's Public Information Officer (PIO), confirmed in a media release.
Read more: Elderly Florida man with "road rage" fires bullets at driver
When officers arrived at the Barlow Road address, they spotted the suspect—Mark Leo Gregory Gago, 42, of Woodburn—as he was attempting to kill a young child. "Deputies used deadly force on Gago, saving the girl's life," Jensen stated. "No deputies were injured in the incident."
Four individuals were found deceased at the scene, cops said. The victims ranged in age from 9 months to 66 years old. Police said Gago and the victims lived at the same address.
The four victims were named as: Olivia Lynn Rose Gago, 9-months-old, Shaina E. Sweitzer, aged 31, Jerry William Bremer, aged 66 and Pamela Denise Bremer, aged 64.
In a statement Sunday (via CNN), Oregon House Republican Office officials said cops found weapons at the scene—including swords. The method of killing remains undetermined.
"We are saddened and horrified to hear once again of domestic violence in our midst," House Republican Leader Rep. Carl Wilson said. "We're grateful for the quick and heroic response by law enforcement to save lives, including the life of a child. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and the first responders who daily risk their lives for us all."
The same day, the sheriff's office released an August 2018 photo of the suspect. Sgt. Jensen wrote in the media release Sunday the road at the scene was reopened at approximately 11 a.m.
"Please drive carefully as investigators are still processing the crime scene," he said yesterday.
He confirmed that the deputies involved in the incident had been placed on leave pending an investigation. This is standard procedure in the wake of an officer-involved shooting.
Oregon Rep. Christine Drazan said in a statement: "Incidents of domestic violence are far too common and this tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of that fact. People who experience domestic violence need protection and we need to make sure that those in need of help find the necessary resources."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jason Murdock is a staff reporter for Newsweek.
Based in London, Murdock previously covered cybersecurity for the International Business Times UK ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
