Marion Co. Sheriff’s Office – 01/11/21 4:02 PM
At approximately 7:33 p.m. on Sunday, January 10, 2021, Stayton Police responded to the 300 block of W. Water St after receiving a suspicious circumstances call. When officers arrived, they discovered a deceased woman inside of the residence with an apparent gunshot wound. A man at the residence was detained by Stayton Police.
The deceased woman has been identified as Karen Schaefer, 70, of Stayton. The cause and manner of her death will be determined at an autopsy scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Brian Schaefer, 38, of Stayton is being charged with Murder 2 with a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has been asked to assist the Stayton Police Department by leading the investigation. We are working collaboratively with the Stayton Police Department, Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Keizer Police Department, Salem Police Department, and Woodburn Police Department on this investigation.
Due to this being an active investigation, no additional information is available for release at this time. There is no indication there is any outstanding danger to the community. Any additional information related to this investigation will be released by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
