A domestic dispute in a rural community near Grants Pass, Oregon, ended in fatal violence for 24-year-old Michael Hockersmith. On the evening of September 8, 2016, Hockersmith was shot at a residence and taken to a hospital; he died of his injuries on September 10, 2016. He had traveled from Alaska after following his estranged wife, who was staying at her mother’s home.

Investigators identified 46-year-old Ronnette Gideon, the estranged wife’s mother, as the primary suspect. Gideon was arrested the day after the shooting and initially charged with attempted murder, assault, and unlawful use of a firearm; authorities expected the charges to be revised after Hockersmith’s death. The residence where the confrontation occurred later suffered a separate fire through a broken window, prompting an arson inquiry.

Anyone who knew Michael, his movements in the Grants Pass area, or who has information about the shooting or the subsequent fire is asked to come forward.