MEDFORD, Ore. — A 19-year-old Medford man has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal assault that left a woman dead Tuesday afternoon near railroad tracks in west Medford.
According to the Medford Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:30 p.m. on June 2 after multiple citizens in the area of West Jackson Street and Welch Street reported hearing what they believed was a serious assault taking place near the railroad tracks.
When officers arrived, witnesses directed them to an adult woman suffering from severe head injuries. Police officers and emergency medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures, but despite their efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators identified the victim as 43-year-old Nicole Marie Dominguez. Authorities said her next of kin has been notified.
Through witness statements and video evidence collected during the investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 19-year-old Darius McCree-Santangelo. Approximately 20 minutes after the initial call, officers located McCree-Santangelo walking near West McAndrews Road and Summit Avenue and took him into custody.
Police credited local businesses for providing surveillance footage that helped investigators connect the suspect to the crime.
Authorities believe Dominguez and McCree-Santangelo were acquainted, though investigators have not released additional details about their relationship or the circumstances leading up to the incident.
McCree-Santangelo was lodged at the Jackson County Jail on a charge of second-degree murder. Detectives have been coordinating with prosecutors from the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, which will handle the prosecution of the case.
The investigation remains ongoing.
In a statement, the Medford Police Department expressed its condolences to Dominguez’s family, friends and loved ones as they mourn her loss.
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