Joseph Wirkkala Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2025 Wallace Marine Park Murder

DALLAS, Ore. — A Salem man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2025 murder of a 62-year-old man at Wallace Marine Park in Salem.

Polk County Circuit Judge Norman R. Hill sentenced 38-year-old Joseph Andrew Wirkkala on Tuesday. Under the terms of the sentence, Wirkkala must serve at least 32.5 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole.

A Polk County jury previously found Wirkkala guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Jacob Collazo. The jury also convicted Wirkkala of first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, menacing and reckless endangering related to Collazo.

Wirkkala was also convicted of attempted second-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, attempted fourth-degree assault and reckless endangering involving 36-year-old Nichelle Issak.

The jury additionally found Wirkkala guilty of recklessly endangering a third victim, 50-year-old Edward Baker.

Following Tuesday’s sentencing, Polk County Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew T. Wilson expressed condolences to Collazo’s family and said prosecutors hoped the sentence would provide some measure of justice.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Collazo on their tragic and senseless loss,” Wilson said. “It is our hope that the court’s sentence today leaves them feeling that some measure of justice has been served.”

Wilson also thanked officers with the Salem Police Department for their investigation and efforts to bring Wirkkala to justice.

The case was prosecuted by Wilson and Deputy District Attorney Connor Amundson. The investigation was conducted by the Salem Police Department and Oregon State Police.