Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are continuing their investigation into a fatal shooting at a rural Central Point home after a woman was arrested on a murder charge in connection with the death of a 62-year-old man.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:05 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, after Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon 911 received reports of gunshots near the 6000 block of Kershaw Road. When deputies arrived at the residence, they located a man inside who had died from what authorities described as an apparent gunshot wound.
The victim has been identified as Juan Carlos Ramirez-Arango, 62, of Central Point. Officials confirmed that his family has been notified.
Investigators immediately began processing the scene and gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Pamela Sue Maya, 67, also of Central Point.
Authorities said Maya and Ramirez-Arango were involved in a relationship. Based on evidence collected during the investigation, detectives arrested Maya and lodged her in the Jackson County Jail on a charge of second-degree murder. She remains in custody as the criminal case proceeds through the court system.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active. As detectives continue reviewing evidence and conducting follow-up interviews, additional details surrounding the events that led to the shooting have not yet been released publicly.
“The suspect is in custody,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in announcing the arrest, adding that there is “no further information available for release at this time.”
The investigation drew assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies throughout Southern Oregon. Officers from the Ashland Police Department responded to assist deputies at the scene, while the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office also participated in the investigation. Crime scene processing and forensic evidence collection were conducted by specialists from the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division.
Homicide investigations typically involve extensive forensic examination, witness interviews, evidence analysis, and coordination between detectives, prosecutors, and crime laboratory personnel before final case findings are presented in court. As investigators continue their work, authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or investigative developments are anticipated.
The case will now move into the judicial process, where prosecutors will determine how the evidence will be presented. Under Oregon law, a criminal charge is an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In its public statement, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
“JCSO sends our deepest sympathies to Ramirez-Arango’s family and all those affected during this time,” the agency said.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office regarding Case No. 26-3616.