Stepfather Faces Murder Charge in Happy Valley

The autopsy reveals Michael Joshua Chapman died at the scene of the crime as a result of multiple stab wounds.

50-year old Steven James Petersen was found at the scene of the crime. Courtesy: Clackamas County Sheriff

(HAPPY VALLEY, Ore.) - Clackamas County Deputy Sheriff's deputies are investigating a murder in Happy Valley that happened at a home on SE Fuller Road Saturday evening.

Detective Jim Strovink with Clackamas County says the investigation determined that 34-year old Michael Joshua Chapman was killed by his stepfather, 50-year old Steven James Petersen, during a violent domestic disturbance at this residential address.

Strovink says the suspect fled the scene of the crime on foot and was wanted for murder.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office investigators worked through the night and ultimately cleared the processing of the crime scene at approximately 8:00 AM Sunday, Strovink said. That is when additional Clackamas County personnel began following up on investigative leads throughout the evening with the hopeful prospect of locating the fugitive identified as Steven James Petersen.

According to Strovink, family friends of the victim family went to the residence on 9326 SE Fuller Road at approximately 3:00 PM Sunday afternoon to begin cleaning the interior and exterior of the home to help erase any detection of the tragic murder that occurred on the premises.

Michael Chapman

"Upon arrival to the home, this cadre of friends detected the residence was secured in an odd fashion and were concerned an intruder was presently inside the home – they were correct."

Clackamas County Sheriff's Patrol personnel responded to the residence and once again secured the perimeter of this same home – which they had done less than twelve-hours earlier - with continued surveillance.

Strovink says that after detecting some noise and motion inside this residence, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Special Weapons and Tactical Team were placed on alert.

"A skilled negotiator on scene was directed to begin efforts to communicate with any unknown occupant inside the residence. Shortly after this communication effort was initiated, Steven James Petersen announced from inside the residence he was going to comply with demands to surrender himself to Deputies on the scene."

He says that at 5:17 PM, Steven James Petersen exited his residence and surrendered himself peacefully to Deputies on the scene. Petersen was taken into custody and transported to be lodged into the Clackamas County Jail. Petersen is being lodged for a measure 11 crime – zero bail – murder. UPDATE: Monday, investigators released results from a forensic autopsy performed on the deceased Michael Joshua Chapman by the Oregon State Medical Examiners Office. The autopsy reveals Michael Joshua Chapman died at the scene of the crime as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Strovink says an arraignment for this matter is scheduled for Monday, August 18th, at 3:00 PM in the Clackamas County Circuit Court, Oregon City, Oregon.