On September 8, 2016 at about 6:45AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to 4444 Highway 199 (Redwood Highway) where they located a male subject suffering from a gunshot wound. The male victim, identified as Michael S HOCKERSMITH, age 24, of Grants Pass, was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center where he is currently listed in critical condition. On Septemeber 10th around 7am, Michael S HOCKERSMITH died at the hospital while being treated for his injuries. This investigation is ongoing, any requests or inquiries should be directed towards the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. Previous release – Preliminary investigation revealed HOCKERSMITH went to the mentioned address and a got into a disturbance with the residents, Richard C WEISS (age 64) and Ronnette D GIDEON (age 46). During the encounter, GIDEON shot HOCKERSMITH with a firearm. WEISS called 911 to report the incident. GIDEON and WEISS cooperated with the investigation conducted by the OSP Criminal Division. Detectives later served a search warrant at the residence and conducted their investigation into the afternoon. OSP Detectives subsequently arrested GIDEON on charges of Attempted Murder and Assault in the 1st Degree. She was booked into the Josephine County Jail. At approximately 2PM, as OSP Detectives were preparing to leave the residence, they heard the breaking of glass near the back of the residence. Upon checking the area, detectives observed large flames coming from a broken window. OSP Detectives along with responding patrol troopers, set up a search perimeter around the area. A Grants Pass Department of Public Safety K-9 unit responded to assist with searching the area without success. Fire units from Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire, Illinois Valley Fire, as well as the Oregon Department of Forestry responded to the scene to assist with fire suppression. The house was extensively damaged from the fire. OSP is now conducting an arson investigation.
