Deputies Investigating Suspicious Death

Marion Co. Sheriff's Office


On April 20th at 11:09 pm, deputies responded to the report of a possible in progress assault in the 12000 block of Twin Creeks Lane SE, located in the Jefferson area of Marion County.  When they arrived on scene, they located a 55 year-old female who was deceased.  Detectives continued their investigation into the death throughout the weekend.

This morning, April 22nd, an autopsy was conducted by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.  They have determined the death to be a homicide as a result of asphyxiation and blunt force trauma.  The female victim has been identified as Robin Stender of Jefferson.  The victim’s next of kin have been notified and are requesting no contact from media.

Detectives have arrested Derek Johnson, a 39 year-old Portland man, in connection to the death.  He is currently lodged at the Marion County Jail on the charge of Murder.

This is still an active investigation; the Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing additional information.  All future media releases for this investigation will come from the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, Salem Police Department, Oregon State Police, Keizer Police Department and other local agencies during this investigation.

Mr. Johnson will be arraigned on Tuesday, April 23rd at 3:00 at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.

The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate a suspicious death which occurred overnight in the 12000 block of Twin Creeks Lane SE.  Deputies initially responded to the residence after receiving reports of a possible assault occurring at the location.

When deputies arrived on scene, they located a 55 year-old female who was deceased.  The cause of death has not yet been determined.  An autopsy to determine the cause of death will be conducted tomorrow by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

We are being assisted by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, Salem Police Department, Oregon State Police, Keizer Police Department and other local agencies.

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