ALFALFA, OR -- Deschutes County Sheriff's deputies were called to a reported shooting, just after 2 p.m. Thursday, on Bureau of Land Management land near milepost 4 on Alfalfa Market Road. When deputies and Bend Fire Department medics arrived, they determined a man was deceased. Detectives have been called out to the scene and are leading the investigation into the shooting death. They are being assisted by the Bend Police Department, the Oregon State Police, the Oregon State Police Crime Lab and the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office.
This is an active investigation, and the public should expect a heavy law enforcement presence in the area for an extended period. We do not currently have information that there is an active threat to public safety.
Detectives are also asking to speak anyone that was in the area of the BLM land near milepost 4 on Alfalfa Market Road around 2:00 pm Thursday. Anyone with information should call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 and ask to speak with a detective.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
UPDATE (07/01/22) -- The Sheriff's Office has identified the victim as 53-year-old Neil Martell of Bend. This case is being investigated as a possible accidental shooting. Detectives ask anyone that was in the area of Mayfield Pond target shooting on the afternoon of June 30, 2022 to come forward. They are specifically asking for information on a person and vehicle observed near the scene of the shooting described as a smaller, white SUV or crossover; likely less than ten years old. The driver is described as a white male in his 30’s.
DCSO detectives are also seeking home video surveillance from anyone who may have captured vehicle traffic after 1:00 pm Thursday at the following locations: Neff Road between the City of Bend and Powell Butte Highway and on Alfalfa Market Road between Powell Butte Highway and the Alfalfa Store.
Anyone with information about this case should call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 and ask to speak with a detective.
