Medford, Ore — A Medford man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly trying to kill his cell mate in Jackson County Jail one week after being booked into the jail after allegedly killing his family’s dog.
Court documents show 51-year-old James Parker was arraigned Tuesday after being charged with trying to strangle his cell mate.
According to the documents Parker says he tried to kill 66-year-old Michael Hill because “he believed Hill was attempting to steal his soul through the bottoms of his feet”.
Last week Medford police arrested Parker on the 900 block of Mt. Pitt Street after he told them he killed the family dog because it was tied to his ex-wife.
I spoke with relatives of Parker this afternoon, who fear he may be suffering from mental illness.
Deputy District Attorney Laura Cromwell says Parker’s mental state may play a role in the case.
“If he’s unable to aid and assist in his own defense they would get evaluated by a psychiatrist that would make that determination then he’d be sent to the State Hospital in Salem for rehabilitation,” said Cromwell.
Parker now faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault in the first and second degree and strangulation.
Because the incident occurred in a correctional facility, a grand jury will determine Thursday if Parker could face aggravated attempted murder charges, a Measure 11 crime which carries an extra 30 months in prison.
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