Marijuana Robbery Leaves One Man Dead in North Salem

(SALEM, Ore.) - A report of shots fired brought officers to the 4800 block of Jean Court Northeast Monday morning, just after 8 a.m. When they arrived, they found one man with a single gunshot wound to the head, apparently an armed robbery-gone-wrong.

The victim’s 20-year old son was on the scene, and was detained for an outstanding warrant, not related to this crime.

William White, victim's son

Two suspects were on the run nearly 24 hours. The first suspect was described as a white or Hispanic male, 25 years of age, 5'05" tall, thin build, with dark hair, a thin mustache, wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.

The second male was described as black male adult, 5'09" tall, stocky build, wearing black pants, black hat and black shirt with yellow lettering.

They fled in a red or maroon, Pontiac Grand AM, with black steel rims and no hub caps. Both men were considered armed and dangerous.

The shooting victim, 44-year old Brett White, was transported to Salem Hospital where he was treated and unfortunately died Monday night, as a result of the gun shot he received during the robbery.

At 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Marion County SWAT Team served a search warrant at the Budget Inn Hotel at 485 North Pacific Highway in Woodburn after locating the suspects.

Detectives arrested 22-year old Denzel Cortez Hawthorne, of Michigan and 20-year old Eloy Carrera Jr., of Illinois. Both men were taken to the Marion County Jail, where they will be arraigned Wednesday at 3 p.m., for the crimes of Felony Murder, Robbery I and Burglary I.

Detectives believe Hawthorne and Carrera came to the home on Jean Court that fateful morning to steal marijuana from one of the residents, the victim’s son, 20-year old William White.

Tragically, William's father, Brett White, ended up in the middle of the robbery and was shot during the confrontation.

While he was being interviewed, it was discovered that William White had an outstanding warrant for not appearing in a 2015 harassment and domestic violence case, and he was arrested as his father was rushed to the hospital. He appeared in Marion County Court, in front of Judge Vance Day.

Judge Day showed compassion toward White, saying, "I'm sorry about your father, that must be very difficult to be going through." The Judge set William White’s bail at $75,000.

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Bonnie King, Publisher of Salem-News.com

Producer, photographer, writer and editor, Bonnie King has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry. Her background includes TV Production Manager at KVWB, the Las Vegas WB, Producer/Director of "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC) and KFBT (Ind.), NIE/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER), and more.

Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate readers. She holds awards from the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, the Oregon Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs and others. A lifetime activist for just causes, King strives to present facts that support Truth, Justice and Peace. "We are in the world to change the world for the better."

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