On the morning of October 30, 2025, a man tried to flag down vehicles on Interstate 5 near mile marker 42.5 in rural Gold Hill, Oregon. Multiple callers reported an injured man about 8:01 a.m.; paramedics and Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies responded and pronounced 47-year-old Steven Jason Worthington of Shady Cove dead at the scene at 8:36 a.m. A southbound lane of the interstate was closed while investigators worked the scene.

Investigators say the homicide likely occurred near Old Stage Road and Galls Creek Road. A multiagency search for a suspect and vehicle included the Oregon State Police and the Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit. A tip around 10:00 a.m. led deputies to the 1000 block of Galls Creek Road, where they identified and took into custody 34-year-old Michael Lloyd Balestra Jr. of Gold Hill. He was booked into the Jackson County Jail and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree theft, unlawful use of a weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities say they believe the suspect has been apprehended and there is no further danger to the public.

Anyone who witnessed activity on Interstate 5 near mile marker 42.5 or near Old Stage Road and Galls Creek Road on the morning of October 30, 2025, or who has other information, is asked to come forward.