Gunshot Victim Discovered Near Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Oregon

Investigators are attempting to determine if a shooting incident Friday in Hermiston, is related to the homicide investigation.

The man's body was discovered in the McNary Wildlife Refuge Photo courtesy: Audobon Society

(HERMISTON) - A homicide investigation is continuing at the McNary Wildlife Refuge following the discovery Saturday morning of a deceased male, 32-year old Ruperto Zuniga Torres of Pasco, Washington.

Mr.Torres' body was discovered Saturday just after 5:00 AM by a hunter who pulled into the gated entrance of the Wildlife Refuge along Highway 730 near milepost 198 in Umatilla County.

The hunter called 9-1-1, which brought response from the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, then a callout of the Umatilla County Major Crime Team.

In a possible related incident, an adult Hispanic male arrived at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston Friday, September 22nd, at about 9:30 PM.

Police are withholding the man's identity at this time. They say he suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of his torso. Investigators are attempting to determine if this incident is related to the homicide investigation.

Detectives from Oregon State Police with the assistance of Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, Umatilla Police Department, Hermiston Police Department, Stanfield Police Department, Pendleton Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, and Morrow County Sheriff's Office are continuing the investigation.

Anyone who may have observed suspicious activity in this area Friday night between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM is asked to contact Oregon State Police Northern Command Center dispatch at 1-800-452-7888.