Victim Identified In Stabbing Death

Case 20-17591

UPDATE September 23, 2020

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Identify Murder Victim

On September 18, 2020 at 1924 hours, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a fatal stabbing in the Elderberry Flats area near Wimer, OR.

A suspect, Branden Rex Stansell, DOB 07-24-00, was lodged at County Jail on September 21, 2020 on charges of Murder II and Assault I.

The identity of the victim has now been released after next of kin were notified. The victim is Matthew James Joseph Stephens, DOB 03-07-1997. He had been staying at homes of friends in the area.

The Jackson County Grand Jury will review the case on September 24, 2020. Further information will be released by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.