Union man pleads not guilty to murder charge in son's death

Richard Frank faces second-degree murder charge in November 2025 shooting of his son Tynan Frank

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Richard Frank, a 40-year-old man from Union, Oregon, has pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge in the November 2025 shooting death of his son, Tynan Frank. The defense and prosecution are both pushing for the medical examiner's office to release the preliminary autopsy results, which have been delayed due to the ongoing toxicology report.

Why it matters

This case has garnered significant community interest, with the courtroom filled with Frank's family, friends and acquaintances. The delay in receiving key forensic evidence has slowed the legal proceedings, raising questions about transparency and the pace of justice in the local judicial system.

The details

During the Feb. 24, 2026 hearing, Richard Frank entered a not guilty plea before visiting Judge Matthew Shirtcliff. Frank's attorney, Wes Williams, told the court that he is still waiting to receive crucial pretrial evidence, including the autopsy report, toxicology report, forensic analysis on the weapons, and digital forensic copies of the Franks' cellphones. Union County District Attorney Kelsie McDaniel said the medical examiner's office has not released the autopsy results without the toxicology report, which could take 6-8 months. Judge Shirtcliff indicated he would be willing to sign a court order to expedite the release of the preliminary autopsy findings.

  • Richard Frank entered his not guilty plea on February 24, 2026.
  • The shooting death of Tynan Frank occurred in November 2025.
  • Frank has been held in the Union County Jail without bail since his arrest on November 17, 2025.

The players

Richard Frank

A 40-year-old man from Union, Oregon who is facing a second-degree murder charge in the shooting death of his son, Tynan Frank.

Tynan Frank

Richard Frank's 40-year-old son who was killed in a shooting in November 2025.

Wes Williams

The La Grande-based attorney representing Richard Frank.

Kelsie McDaniel

The Union County District Attorney prosecuting the case against Richard Frank.

Matthew Shirtcliff

The visiting judge presiding over the proceedings in Union County Circuit Court.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Frank is pleading not guilty.”

— Wes Williams, Defense Attorney (The Observer)

“I don't have it either. I would like it as well.”

— Kelsie McDaniel, District Attorney (The Observer)

“I want to see this moving forward.”

— Matthew Shirtcliff, Visiting Judge (The Observer)

What’s next

Judge Shirtcliff set a status check hearing for April 13 after the defense attorney agreed to draft and submit a stipulated order to the court requesting the release of the preliminary autopsy results without the toxicology report.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges in the local judicial system, with delays in obtaining key forensic evidence slowing the legal proceedings and raising transparency concerns within the community. The judge's willingness to expedite the release of the autopsy findings suggests a desire to move the case forward despite the ongoing issues with the toxicology report.