Man Arrested for Salem Transient Camp Murder

The location appears to be a transient camp on Mill Creek.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem Police detectives made an arrest in the death of a man that was found in Mill Creek in southeast Salem Thursday night. Earlier today, officers arrested 47-year old Ben Stephens for the crime of Murder.

Joseph W. Hollander, Marion County Deputy District Attorney, says Salem Police responded to a report of a body Thursday, August 6, 2009 at approximately 10:09 p.m.

The location was in Mill Creek close to Airport Road between Mission Street SE and State Street. When officers arrived they located an male adult deceased in the creek.

"Salem Police Detectives responded, but due to the darkness and the inherent dangers of working around moving water in the dark, the scene was secured for the night," Hollander said.

Salem Police continued their investigation today. Hollander says the location appears to be a transient camp on Mill Creek. Salem Police Patrol Officers, Detectives and Criminalists processed the scene until the early afternoon.

Hollander says the deceased male has been tentatively identified as a 40-year old transient. His identity is being withheld in order to notify relatives. Stephens is also believed to be a transient.

The Marion County Medical Examiner has scheduled an autopsy that will be conducted by the Oregon State Medical Examiner. That will take place Saturday, August 8, 2009.

The defendant was arraigned on a District Attorney's Information at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex 4000 Aumsville Highway today at 3:00 p.m. Hollander says the next step is for the case to be presented to a Grand Jury.

Murder is an unclassified felony with a sentence of life in prison with a 25 year minimum.

Hollander says further information will be provided by the District Attorney's Office following the autopsy and the Grand Jury Proceeding.