On July 27, 2016 at about 6:30 AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Highway 199 near milepost 30 (near Cave Junction). A nearby resident told trooper he had heard what he thought was a vehicle crash around 1:45 AM.
Initial investigation revealed the driver William A ROBERTS, age 39, of Cave Junction, had drifted off the roadway and struck a tree. It was later discovered ROBERTS had suffered a gunshot wound to the back of the head. It was also discovered his wallet, cell phone and a handgun were missing from the vehicle.
An extensive investigation began which led to identifying two suspects as Renee Lee EDRINGTON, age 39 and Kyle James FORESTER, age 29 (both of Cave Junction). Information was developed they both resided on a large piece of property located at 22503 Redwood Highway in Cave Junction.
On July 30, 2016 at about 4:45 AM, OSP Detectives and the Oregon State Police SWAT Team served a search warrant on the residence. Upon arrival, EDRINGTON was outside the residence and was armed with a handgun. EDRINGTON failed to comply with commands of the troopers while remaining armed with the handgun and advancing on them. Troopers deployed less lethal impact rounds which subsequently subdued EDRINGTON. FORESTER exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident.
It is believed by investigators that FORESTER and EDRINGTON were in some sort of confrontation with ROBERTS in the early hours of July 27th. At some point FORESTER and EDRINGTON were in a separate vehicle following ROBERTS when they shot at him, fatally striking him in the back of the head leading to the vehicle crash. Investigators believe FORESTER and EDRINGTON returned to the crash scene and took items from ROBERTS' vehicle.
Both FORESTER and EDRINGTON were lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Murder, Robbery and Theft.
OSP has been assisted by the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety during this investigation. More information will be released when appropriate.
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Previous Release:
On July 27, 2016 at about 6:30 AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Highway 199 near milepost 30 (near Cave Junction).
Preliminary investigation revealed a 2000 Ford Ranger drifted out of its lane of travel and off the roadway where it struck a tree. The driver, William A ROBERTS, age 39, of Cave Junction was pronounced deceased at the scene.
OSP was assisted by the Illinois Valley Fire and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
This is an ongoing investigation; more information will be released as it becomes available.
