Brother of Bend Couple Sentenced to 25 Years for Their Murders

Kenneth Atkinson pleaded guilty to manslaughter and conspiracy in the 2020 deaths of his brother Ray and Ray's fiancée Natasha Newby.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:50am

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An extreme close-up of a broken picture frame, the glass shattered and reflecting a faint red light, conveying the aftermath of a violent family conflict.A shattered family heirloom reflects the tragic consequences of an escalating dispute over an inheritance.Bend Today

Kenneth Atkinson, 61, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree manslaughter and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder in the August 2020 deaths of his brother Ray Atkinson Jr., 34, and Ray's fiancée Natasha Newby, 29, in their Bend, Oregon home. The other suspect, Nathan Detroit, 35, who is Atkinson's nephew, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of murder and conspiracy and is set to go to trial in June.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of family disputes escalating to violence, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting complex homicide cases involving multiple suspects and alleged motives.

The details

According to prosecutors, Kenneth Atkinson killed his brother Ray and Ray's fiancée Natasha over a dispute regarding their father's estate. The couple was found dead in their home near the corner of NE 12th Street and Greenwood Avenue in Bend. Two counts of first-degree murder against Atkinson were dismissed as part of his plea deal.

  • The murders occurred in August 2020.
  • Kenneth Atkinson pleaded guilty on March 20, 2026.
  • Atkinson was sentenced to 25 years in prison on March 20, 2026.
  • The other suspect, Nathan Detroit, is set to go to trial in June 2026.

The players

Kenneth Atkinson

The 61-year-old brother of victim Ray Atkinson Jr. who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and conspiracy charges in the 2020 murders.

Ray Atkinson Jr.

The 34-year-old victim who was killed along with his fiancée Natasha Newby in their Bend home in 2020.

Natasha Newby

The 29-year-old fiancée of victim Ray Atkinson Jr. who was killed along with him in their Bend home in 2020.

Nathan Detroit

The 35-year-old nephew of Kenneth Atkinson who has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of murder and conspiracy in the 2020 killings and is set to go to trial in June 2026.

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What’s next

The trial for Nathan Detroit, the other suspect in the 2020 murders, is scheduled to begin in June 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of resolving family conflicts through legal and non-violent means, as well as the need for thorough investigations and fair trials to ensure justice is served in complex homicide cases.