Madeleine Moore
Madeleine Moore joined Salem Reporter in 2024 and reports on a variety of topics including public safety, addiction, treatment and the criminal justice system. She came to Salem after graduating from the University of Oregon in June 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
Salem motorcyclist hit, killed near southeast Salem early Sunday morning
Zachariah Brown, 44, of Salem, was riding his motorcycle along Southeast Ganon Street Sunday morning when a driver in an SUV hit and killed him, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Salem pedestrian killed in early morning fatal crash on Commercial Street
A driver heading southbound on Southeast Commercial Street hit and killed a Salem woman in the early hours of Sunday morning. The woman, Brittany J. Hochstetler, 32, died at the scene, according to Salem police.
Man pleads guilty, receives 25-year sentence for killing Salem woman in 2022
Jose Moreno-Hernandez was sentenced to spend 25 years in state prison for killing Marcie Harris, of Salem, over three years ago. He recently pleaded guilty to manslaughter for her death, but details about what led up to the killing remain few.
Washington man charged in robbery of $200 from downtown Salem bank
Richard K. Gorton, a 75-year-old man from Washington, is accused of robbing a downtown Salem bank last week before lying down on the ground to be arrested. He has a history of homelessness and told police he wanted to remain in jail and would commit another robbery if released.
Teenager admits to Bush Park murder
An agreement reached Friday will allow Nathaniel S. McCrae, 17, to serve time in a juvenile facility after he admitted to shooting and killing classmate José Vázquez Valenzuela and wounding two other boys.
2-alarm fire destroys West Salem home, displacing adults, children and pets
A two-alarm fire Thursday displaced a family and their dog and cat from their West Salem home. The Red Cross is helping the family connect with resources, according to the Salem Fire Department.
Man sentenced to almost 6 years in prison for killing father in 2023 West Salem crash
David J. Nelson, 25, pleaded guilty to a homicide charge and driving intoxicated in a West Salem crash that killed his father in 2023. A Polk County judge sentenced him to nearly six years in state prison.
Top Marion County prosecutor announces district attorney run, DA Clarkson to retire
Marion County Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy recently announced his campaign to run for the office’s top position, district attorney. Paige Clarkson, the county’s current district attorney, said she will retire and supports Murphy’s candidacy for the position.
Protesters accuse Marion County commissioners of trying to weaken sanctuary law through ICE lawsuit
Several dozen people packed a Marion County hearing room Wednesday to protest the county’s lawsuit seeking a court ruling on whether it can share information about people on parole with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Many people claimed the suit is a county effort to overturn Oregon’s sanctuary law, which restricts agencies from cooperating with immigration authorities.
Salem man dies Monday in Marion County Jail
Steven Adams, 58, is the third man to die in the Marion County Jail in 2025. His death was announced by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in a Tuesday statement, which said deputies found him unresponsive Monday morning.