Marijuana Robbery Leaves One Man Dead in North Salem

Three are behind bars as detectives investigate the fatal shooting.

20-year old Eloy Carrera Jr., and 22-year old Denzel Cortez Hawthorne, arraigned Aug 3 at 3 p.m., for the crimes of Felony Murder, Robbery I and Burglary I. Photos: Marion County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore.) - A report of shots fired brought officers to the 4800 block of Jean Court Northeast Monday morning, just after 8 a.m. When they arrived, they found one man with a single gunshot wound to the head, apparently an armed robbery-gone-wrong.

The victim’s 20-year old son was on the scene, and was detained for an outstanding warrant, not related to this crime.

William White, victim's son

Two suspects were on the run nearly 24 hours. The first suspect was described as a white or Hispanic male, 25 years of age, 5'05" tall, thin build, with dark hair, a thin mustache, wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.

The second male was described as black male adult, 5'09" tall, stocky build, wearing black pants, black hat and black shirt with yellow lettering.

They fled in a red or maroon, Pontiac Grand AM, with black steel rims and no hub caps. Both men were considered armed and dangerous.

The shooting victim, 44-year old Brett White, was transported to Salem Hospital where he was treated and unfortunately died Monday night, as a result of the gun shot he received during the robbery.

At 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Marion County SWAT Team served a search warrant at the Budget Inn Hotel at 485 North Pacific Highway in Woodburn after locating the suspects.

Detectives arrested 22-year old Denzel Cortez Hawthorne, of Michigan and 20-year old Eloy Carrera Jr., of Illinois. Both men were taken to the Marion County Jail, where they will be arraigned Wednesday at 3 p.m., for the crimes of Felony Murder, Robbery I and Burglary I.

Detectives believe Hawthorne and Carrera came to the home on Jean Court that fateful morning to steal marijuana from one of the residents, the victim’s son, 20-year old William White.

Tragically, William's father, Brett White, ended up in the middle of the robbery and was shot during the confrontation.

While he was being interviewed, it was discovered that William White had an outstanding warrant for not appearing in a 2015 harassment and domestic violence case, and he was arrested as his father was rushed to the hospital. He appeared in Marion County Court, in front of Judge Vance Day.

Judge Day showed compassion toward White, saying, "I'm sorry about your father, that must be very difficult to be going through." The Judge set William White’s bail at $75,000.

The men that allegedly shot and killed his father are lodged in the same jail.

Source: Salem Police; Marion County Sheriff's Office