GRANTS PASS, Ore. — The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 67-year-old Grants Pass man as investigators continue a major crimes investigation that has led to a murder indictment against a suspect.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 9:43 a.m. on July 7 to a residence in the 900 block of Summer Lane after receiving a report of a missing person under suspicious circumstances. During the initial investigation, authorities determined that Randall “Randy” Hecker was missing from his home and may have been in danger.
Detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office were joined by investigators from the Oregon State Police and Grants Pass Police Department as the investigation expanded.
Investigators identified 50-year-old Israel Wytcherley, who lives near Hecker’s residence, as the suspect. Wytcherley was located at a separate location in Grants Pass, arrested, and initially lodged in the Josephine County Jail on charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping and unlawful use of a weapon.
According to the sheriff’s office, additional evidence gathered during the investigation resulted in the case being presented to a Josephine County Grand Jury. The grand jury subsequently indicted Wytcherley on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon, replacing the original charges.
Authorities said the investigation remains active, and many details are not being released at this time.
Investigators continue searching for Hecker, who has not been seen since July 7. He is described as a 67-year-old white male, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 185 pounds. He was last seen wearing blue-gray shorts, a light blue T-shirt and carrying a backpack-style sprayer, which has not been recovered and is considered significant to the investigation.
Detectives also determined that Wytcherley’s gray 2016 Chevrolet Silverado was in the Galice area on the morning of July 7. Investigators are asking anyone who saw the pickup in the Merlin or Galice areas that morning, or anyone with information regarding Hecker’s disappearance or whereabouts, to contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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