On Saturday, October 27, 2018, Benton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies took a 14-year-old male from Albany into custody on two charges of Attempted Aggravated Murder and Attempted Arson in the First Degree. Two days later, his 13-year-old male accomplice was taken into custody on two counts of Attempted Aggravated Murder, for the substantial steps he took toward aiding his friend in the crime.
Neither of the juveniles have criminal histories. The 14-year-old was booked and lodged at the Linn-Benton Detention Center in Linn County on Saturday night. The 13-year-old was interviewed on Monday afternoon, admitted to giving his friend the sleep aid medication to kill his parents, and was subsequently taken into custody lodged at the same detention center.
A call to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office was initially made on October 25. A concerned father had information received that his son wanted to give him and his wife sleeping pills and light the house on fire to kill them.
Several additional friends were reportedly aware of the son’s plot. We are asking juveniles to report suspicious activity, anonymously, to Safe Oregon at 844-472-3367 or tip@safeoregon.com. We also remind the community if they see something, say something.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is asked to contact Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 541-766-6858.