Our Violent Crimes Unit has been investigating the death of 23-year-old Dean Eric Sweeden, who died after being involved in a physical altercation. He was found on Wednesday, August 20 at around 7:35 a.m. and 9-1-1 was called. Our officers were dispatched to W. 6th alley between Lincoln & Lawrence and when they arrived, they found Mr. Sweeden unconscious in the alley and they began performing rescue CPR until medics arrived. Mr. Sweeden was transported to a local hospital, where he subsequently died.
Investigators have determined that Sweeden had been involved in a physical altercation between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on August 20. The fight happened on the west side of the 7-Eleven store at 7th and Jefferson. If anyone was in the area around this time, or has information in the case, they are asked to please call Detective Ben Hall at 541.682.5835.
Patrol, Violent Crimes detectives and Forensic Evidence technicians worked together to secure the scene, obtain witness statements and collect evidence. A Violent Crimes Unit detective was assigned the case and has been pursuing every possible angle. Our Violent Crimes Unit is continuing to seek tips, but can release no further information without jeopardizing the investigation. They are asking for patience while they investigate. The team’s mission is to ensure the successful criminal investigation and prosecution of violent crimes in our community and to protect those who are most vulnerable to abuse and exploitation (the elderly, women, children, and individuals who are homeless and or who have a mental illness or disability). We play our part to ensure that those who perpetrate crimes against the most vulnerable in our community are held accountable. ###