On the evening of October 3, 2020, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office found 28-year-old Francisco Javier Hernandez-Melo of Salem deceased on the side of a rural road near Matheny Road NE and Wheatland Road NE outside Gervais. He was pronounced dead at the scene around 6:30 p.m. An autopsy the next day determined he died of gunshot wounds and classified the case as a homicide.

Authorities opened an investigation but have not publicly identified any suspects or announced arrests. Few details about the circumstances of the shooting have been released, and the case remains unsolved. The Sheriff’s Office has asked the public to come forward with information that could help explain what happened to Francisco.

If anyone has information about Francisco, his movements that evening, or the area where he was found, please contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.