15-Year-Old Faces Attempted Murder Charge for NE Salem Shooting

Teenager arrested for March incident that left adult victim with gunshot wound to the head

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty image that conceptually represents the aftermath of a violent crime.The harsh flash photography of a spent shell casing at the scene of a shooting underscores the grim realities of youth violence in Salem.Salem Today

A 15-year-old has been arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, and use of a dangerous weapon after a March shooting in northeast Salem that left an adult victim with a gunshot wound to the head. The teenager was previously adjudicated last October for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and was on local probation at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and gun crimes in the Salem area, even as recent data shows a decline in weapons charges against local youth so far in 2026 compared to the previous year. The shooting also raises questions about the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system and probation in preventing repeat offenses.

The details

On March 9, around 4:40 p.m., Marion County deputies responded to a shooting in the 4200 block of Northeast Satter Place near Chemeketa Community College. They found an adult victim with an apparent gunshot wound to the head, who was taken to the hospital for treatment. Detectives used nearby surveillance footage to identify a 15-year-old juvenile suspect believed to have fired multiple rounds at an occupied vehicle. The teenager was arrested on April 7 and is currently lodged at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center.

  • On March 9, deputies responded to the shooting incident around 4:40 p.m.
  • On April 7, detectives arrested the 15-year-old suspect.

The players

Marion County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the shooting incident and arrested the teenage suspect.

Troy Gregg

The director of Marion County's juvenile department, who confirmed the charges against the 15-year-old suspect.

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What they’re saying

“Fewer local youth are facing weapons charges so far in 2026 compared to last year, juvenile department data shows. That comes after local leaders several years ago raised concerns about more youth involved in shootings and set about trying to reduce violence in the community.”

— Troy Gregg, Director of Marion County Juvenile Department

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the 15-year-old suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing youth violence and gun crimes in the Salem area, even as local efforts aim to reduce such incidents. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system and probation in preventing repeat offenses by young offenders.