Grants Pass, OR – A 30-year-old Grants Pass man has been arrested in connection with a homicide that occurred in early March. On Sunday, April 13, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers and detectives with the Grants Pass Police Department located and arrested James Ross at the Robertson Bridge Boat Landing. He was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.
The arrest stems from an incident that occurred on March 4, 2025, when emergency services responded to a call around 3:00 a.m. involving a severely injured male. The 57-year-old victim was found in the 1200 block of Rogue River Highway and was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center with critical head trauma. Despite receiving medical attention, the man later succumbed to his injuries after several weeks in the hospital.
Given the severity of the injuries and subsequent death of the victim, the case was escalated to the Major Crimes Unit within the Grants Pass Police Department. Detectives began an extensive investigation, conducting numerous interviews and utilizing additional investigative resources to determine what had occurred. James Ross was identified as the primary suspect early in the inquiry, but his whereabouts remained unknown until his arrest over a month later.
Law enforcement officials say Ross was located without incident, and no further complications arose during his arrest. Authorities have not released details about the motive or whether the suspect and victim knew each other, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The name of the deceased has not been released to the public, pending notification of next of kin and ongoing investigative procedures. Police have also not confirmed what type of weapon was used in the alleged assault, only noting that Ross faces an additional charge for unlawful use of a weapon.
The Grants Pass Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact their offices or reach out to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. No additional suspects are being sought at this time, and authorities have not indicated whether any witnesses were present during the original incident.
This case marks a significant development for local law enforcement, which has been actively pursuing leads since the March incident. It remains one of the more serious violent crime cases in Grants Pass this year, drawing attention to the efforts of the Major Crimes Unit and their ability to close complex investigations through community cooperation and persistence.
Further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the legal system. Ross will remain in custody at the Josephine County Jail as he awaits arraignment and further legal proceedings.
