Salem Reporter provides follow-up reporting on local criminal cases.

Read our coverage from May here.

Extension in mental care for UGM suspect

The original story: Tony L. Williams, 43, was arrested just over a year ago for the mass stabbing at the Union Gospel Mission that injured 12 shelter staff and guests on June 1, 2025. Last July, a Marion County Circuit Court judge found Williams unfit to participate in the criminal case and ordered him to mental health treatment at the Oregon State Hospital.

The latest: Under a federal order limiting how long people can be held at the hospital, Williams, who faces violent felony charges, would have to be released after one year at the facility. But on June 3, Marion County Judge James Edmonds ordered a six-month extension in Williams’ care, court records show. 

“By clear and convincing evidence, there is a danger of physical injury or sexual victimization” to victims and the public if Williams were released earlier, Edmonds wrote in the order. There is a “substantial” chance Williams will be able to participate in his case with the added six months of treatment, he wrote.

Sentence in West Salem attempted murder

The original story: In February, a Salem woman walked into the Keizer Walgreens with stab wounds. A man had tried to murder her with a knife when she resisted his attempt to sexually assault her, police previously said. The suspect in the case, Daniel R. Myers, 63, was arrested in southern California by California Highway Patrol a couple of days after the attack.

The latest: On May 19, Myers pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault for the attack in Polk County Circuit Court, records show. Polk County Judge Rafael Caso sentenced Myers the same day to nearly 11 years in state prison, and three years of supervision.

Appeal in sentence for 2021 shooting

The original story: In 2024, three men were sentenced to prison for a drive-by shooting that left a 10-year-old boy and a man with long-lasting injuries. The two men who pleaded guilty to the shooting received 20-year sentences, and the driver was sentenced to 18 years after a trial. 

The latest: Gabriel Herrera, the driver in the case, is now appealing his sentence and claiming the Marion County Circuit Court “erred” in convicting him for three of the eight charges he was sentenced for. The appeal asks the Oregon Court of Appeals to send the case back to court for acquittal of those charges and a new sentence.  

Salem wrestler sentenced for explicit photos

The original story: Last August, David Rubio, 25, of Salem, was criminally charged and accused of trying to get sexual pictures of a minor athlete he coached at a Columbia County wrestling clinic. He pleaded not guilty to charges including luring a minor, attempting to use a child in sexual conduct and attempted encouragement of child abuse, court records previously showed.

The latest: On June 1, Rubio pleaded guilty to luring a minor in Columbia County Circuit Court and the other two charges against him were dismissed. Judge Nick Brajcich sentenced Rubio the same day to five years of probation, according to the sentencing document.

Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].

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