Murder Victim Identified

Anyone with information on this case should contact Detective Dan Tallan at 503-588-6050 ext 7132.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - The man found dead in car in the parking lot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Madison St N.E. Wednesday, has been identified as 62-year old James Michael Spaise of Portland. Police say they have been able to reach his next of kin. Salem Police Lt. Bill Kohlmeyer says an autopsy was performed Thursday in Portland at the State Medical Examiners Office.

The autopsy revealed that Mr. Spaise died of a gunshot wound to the head.

The case is being investigated as a murder. The number of wounds and their location is not being revealed at this time. Kohlmeyer says it does not appear at this time that he was connected with the church in any way. They are looking for answers that will lead to his killer or killers. "It is unknown what Mr. Spaise was doing in Salem that day. We do know he lived in the Portland area but we have been unable to locate an actual address." He says anyone with information on this case should contact Detective Dan Tallan at 503-588-6050 ext 7132.