10/20/23
DALLAS (OR) – Today, District Attorney Aaron Felton announced that upon the conclusion of testimony, the Polk County Grand Jury unanimously returned a not true bill regarding the use of deadly force by a Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy that resulted in the death of 18 year old Isaac Ivan Oceguedo of Carlton, and injuries to Jose Manuel Corral-Zavala, 21, of Salem, and a 17 year old female.
The Grand Jury’s not true bill decision means they have determined no criminal prosecution is warranted, and that the use of deadly force involving the above individuals by Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Smith was a lawful act of self-defense, pursuant to Oregon law.
This investigation began on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at approximately 2:30 a.m., following the report of an officer-involved shooting involving members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Independence Police Department, and Salem Police Department. The Oregon State Police conducted the investigation and the Polk County District Attorney’s Office presented the evidence to the Grand Jury.
In making their decision, the Grand Jury heard from the Oregon State Police, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department, Independence Police Department office, State Medical Examiner’s Office and several citizen witness.
Upon completion of its review of the actions taken by Deputy Smith, the Grand Jury then reviewed the actions of Mr. Corral-Zavala, Based on its review of the evidence and testimony presented, the Grand Jury returned a 22 count Indictment accusing Mr. Corral-Zavala of eight counts of attempted aggravated murder against the responding law enforcement officers, including attempting to murder Deputy Smith. Mr. Corral-Zavala is scheduled to be arraigned on that Indictment on Monday, October 23.
The Grand Jurors who reviewed this case are Polk County community members. Each Grand Juror was selected from the regularly scheduled empaneled jury pool. This is a process set by Oregon’s Constitution.
As required by Oregon law, the Grand Jury proceedings in this case were recorded. Pursuant to ORS 132.270(4)(a)(C)), Deputy Smith, or his attorneys have 10 days to file a motion with the court to seek a protective order regarding the release of the grand jury proceedings or a portion of the proceedings.
