On Friday, June 2, Detectives from the Oregon State Police, acting as members of the Douglas County Major Crimes Team, added the following charges to Troy Russell PHELPS, 34 years old from Myrtle Creek, who was already in custody at the Douglas County Jail on unrelated probation violations. The additional charges include: Murder, Kidnapping 1st Degree, Menacing, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Coercion and Arson 2nd Degree. These crimes were allegedly committed on May 30th and 31st in Douglas County at a location along the South Umpqua River resulting in the death of Brandon MICHAEL, 26 years old. Michael was shot several times with a small caliber handgun. The other victims have been identified as 23 year old, Kayla VIOL and her 10 month old baby, MICHAEL was the father. Early investigation revealed that VIOL contacted authorities after she and her baby had been abducted by PHELPS after MICHAEL was killed. PHELPS transported VIOL and her child to a residence in Myrtle Creek. VIOL was able to leave that residence and contacted the authorities from a neighboring residence. VIOL and her child suffered no physical injuries. MICHAEL’s body was recovered and an autopsy performed on June 1st, confirms MICHAEL was killed by a small caliber handgun. VIOL and MICHAEL had recently moved to Douglas County from the LaPine area.
