Crime
Oregon police arrest suspect who stabbed 11 people at Union Gospel Mission of Salem homeless shelter
SALEM, OREGON — Authorities have confirmed that eleven individuals were injured during a mass stabbing incident at a homeless shelter in Salem on the evening of June 1.
The violent attack occurred at the Union Gospel Mission of Salem, located at 777 Commercial Street NE, just north of the downtown area.
Salem Police Department officers responded to the scene at approximately 7:15 p.m. after reports of a stabbing involving multiple victims.
Upon arrival, officers located numerous injured individuals both inside the shelter, in front of the facility, and across the street.
Emergency medical personnel began immediate treatment and transported the injured to Salem Health Hospital.
Police spokesperson Angela Hedrick confirmed that a total of eleven people were stabbed during the incident.
Their conditions vary, though no fatalities have been reported as of the latest update.
The identities of the victims have not been publicly released.
The suspect, described as an adult male, was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
His name has not yet been disclosed, and a possible motive has not been determined.
Detectives with the Salem Police Department remain on scene, actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Photos and video from the area show a large emergency response, including multiple police vehicles, ambulances, and fire department personnel staged outside the shelter. The Union Gospel Mission’s men’s facility, which opened in July 2023, is located directly across from Salem Police Department headquarters.
As a safety measure, southbound Commercial Street at D Street NE was temporarily closed, with traffic being diverted westbound onto Front Street NE. Police reported that the roadways had been reopened by approximately 8:40 p.m.
The Union Gospel Mission of Salem provides shelter, meals, and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Saturday’s incident marks one of the most significant acts of violence at a homeless services facility in recent Oregon history.
Authorities are asking anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact Salem Police as the investigation continues.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.