JCSO searching for homicide suspect after Ruch shooting

RUCH, Ore.– The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a murder suspect connected to a shooting in Ruch.

JCSO said the homicide happened at a marijuana processing facility on Monday.

Now, the sheriff’s office is looking for 38 year-old Jose “Alfredo” Sotelo-Palma.

JCSO describes Sotelo-Palma as 5-feet-11 inches tall and slender with black hair and brown eyes.

The sheriff’s office believes he has connections to a Mexican drug cartel.

JCSO’s Aaron Lewis said, “at this time, we do not believe the suspect is a danger to the general public, although he  is considered armed and dangerous, so if you see the suspect do not approach him. Instead, call 911 right away.”

Sotelo-Palma is charged with second-degree murder, three counts of unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of menacing.

The sheriff’s office said they are searching a very broad area and they are working with law enforcement agencies from outside the state.

The victim of the homicide is 31 year-old Luis Ayala-Zavala of Jacksonville

JCSO said they will provide more information when it becomes available.

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NBC5 News reporter Derek Strom is from Renton, Washington. He recently graduated from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communications at Washington State University with a degree in Broadcast News and a minor in Sports Management. He played in the drumline with the WSU marching band. These days, he plays the guitar and piano. Derek is a devoted fan of the Mariners, Seahawks, and Kraken.
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