Teens Arrested in Medford,Oregon,After Fatal Shooting at Elementary School

Two teenagers are in custody following a homicide at Wilson Elementary School in Medford, Oregon. A 15-year-old female and a 17-year-old male were arrested and charged with second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the death of a 26-year-old man. The Medford Police Department reported the victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the school’s parking lot on Sunday morning.

Police reports indicate the victim was lured to the school, located in the 1400 block of Johnson street, late Saturday night before being shot. Both suspects are currently held at the Jackson county Juvenile Detention Facility, according to a news release issued tuesday.

Details of the Medford Shooting Examination

Medford police responded to a call at 6:21 a.m. on Sunday regarding a man down in the Wilson Elementary parking lot. Upon arrival, officers pronounced the man dead at the scene. the school district confirmed that classes had ended on Friday, so no students were present on campus at the time of the incident.

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from nearby residences and the school, which indicated the shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m.Saturday. Authorities noted that no calls reporting suspicious activity or gunshots were received during that time.

Did You Know? According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, as of June 2025, there have been over 200 mass shootings in the United States this year alone, highlighting a continued concern over gun violence Gun Violence Archive.

Collaboration Leads to Arrests in Wilson Elementary School Homicide

The Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force worked with Medford School District personnel and school resource officers to identify the teen suspects. The investigation revealed that the female suspect allegedly lured the victim to the location, where the male suspect confronted and shot him multiple times before both fled on foot.

A Medford police officer located the male suspect on a bicycle on Hawthorne Street around 2 a.m.Tuesday. The suspect attempted to flee into Hawthorne Park but was apprehended on foot. The female suspect was arrested shortly after at her residence in the 1500 block of Johnson Street,near Wilson Elementary School.

The names of the suspects and the victim are being withheld; the victim’s family has requested privacy. The case has been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

This incident marks the second homicide in Medford in 2025. In April, Rory Pomeroy was found dead in the Lowe’s Home Enhancement store parking lot on Crater Lake Avenue. Christopher Shane Boyce has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in connection with that case and is awaiting a pretrial hearing oregon Judicial Department.

Medford,Oregon,Crime Statistics

Understanding crime trends in Medford provides context for these incidents. Here’s a snapshot of recent crime data:

Community Impact and Response

The community has responded with shock and grief following the shooting. A makeshift memorial has been set up in the Wilson Elementary parking lot. Local authorities are working to reassure residents and provide support services.

Pro Tip: stay informed about local safety initiatives and community support programs by checking the Medford Police Department’s official website.

the Medford Police Department encourages anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.

Questions for Discussion

How can communities better address the root causes of youth violence?

What role should schools play in preventing crime and ensuring student safety?