January 19, 2019 Clackamas County, Oregon Mark Gago kills his girlfriend, their infant daughter, and his parents before he is fatally shot by police Gago’s roommate awoke to Mark swinging an axe at her in her room. She initially thought he was “just playing around,” though he continued to swing. Mark struck the roommate in…
Town removes dead whale from beach with explosives
November 12, 1970Florence, OregonA dead sperm whale is removed from a beach with dynamite; the resulting carnage rained down upon spectators though none were harmed The 8-ton (7.25-metric ton) carcass of the whale washed ashore a week before the disposal of the remains, and the Oregon Department of Transportation was tasked with finding a way…
Man executed for killing mother-in-law/half-sister and her husband

May 16, 1997 Salem, Oregon Harry Charles Moore is executed for killing his half-sister and her ex-husband Moore had an extensive violent past, including physical and sexual violence against his family members. Some events showcasing his violence include: his mother obtained a restraining order against her son for mental and physical abuse; he handcuffed his…
Fire at Christmas festival kills 41, injures 16
December 24, 1894 Silver Lake, Oregon An accident causes the fiery deaths of 41 and the injuries of 16 The fire started when a man attempted to get a better view of a Christmas festival. As the man stood on a bench, his head struck an oil lamp and sent the flaming liquid on the…
Man kills ex-girlfriend’s family members, including 2 small children
May 9, 1996 Bandon, Oregon Girley Crum, Jr. murders 5 members of his ex-girlfriend's family including 2 small children Crum, who had an extensive violent criminal past, had recently been released from jail following a 21-day term for parole violation. Three days after his release, he slashed the throats of Ray and Kelly Jacobs, their…