Salem Businessman Arrested in March 15th Triple Homicides

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Salem Police at (503)588-6050.

41-year old Marty Wendt Photo: Salem Police

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem Police made an arrest in the disturbing March 15th triple Homicide that started out as a report of a fire in a building that evening, just before 7:00 p.m.

Crime scene on March 15 2009

Salem Firefighters and police officers responded to a fire alarm at Myke's Custom Rod & Speed Shop located at 1375 Cross Street SE in Salem.

While battling the fire, crews discovered the bodies of three people inside the business. Police investigators quickly released the news that they had been shot.

The people were identified as 56-year old Kathleen Schera; 70-year old Myke Holmes Sr.; and 58-year old Michael Nelson.

Lt. Steve Birr, Criminal Investigation Section Commander with Salem Police, said, "After an extensive investigation, Salem Police Detectives arrested Marty Wendt, 41 yrs of age, of Salem and charged him in connection with the murders and fire."

Birr says Marty Wendt is an owner of Majestic Metals located at 2719 19th Street SE Salem. Wendt had business connections with Myke's Custom Rod & Speed Shop.

"Wendt was contacted at his business shortly after 8:30 this morning and voluntarily agreed to go to the Salem Police Department. He was subsequently placed under arrest and has been booked into the Marion County Correctional Facility."

Birr asked anyone with information regarding this crime to call the Salem Police at (503)588-6050.

"While the arrest cannot undo the tragedy, it is the hope of the Salem Police Department that it will assist the relatives; friends; and the community as a whole; in reaching some closure for this loss of life," Birr said.

Wendt was charged with three counts of Aggravated Murder, 3 counts of first-degree Robbery, and first-degree Arson.

Salem-News.com received an anonymous tip for police on the case in March, which we in turn forwarded on. The information was that detectives should investigate local business associates of Mr. Holmes in regard to the deaths.

Previous Salem-News.com stories on the event:

Mar-16-2009: Salem Police Investigate Three Bodies in Commercial Structure Fire - Tim King Salem-News.com

Mar-17-2009: Victims in Salem Fire Died of Gunshot Wounds - Salem-News.com

Mar-16-2009: Salem Police Investigating Three Deaths As Homicide - Salem-News.com

This is the video produced shortly after the fire and discovery of the victims inside:

Video