Neighbors in shock over Crooked River Ranch double-slaying

As the investigation continues into a double-homicide on Crooked River Ranch, neighbors in the quiet, close-knit community expressed shock Sunday.

Residents living on Sand Ridge Road said Sunday they hope their neighborhood can get back to normal after their quiet community turned into a crime scene Friday night.

Jay Smith, who lives less than a mile away, said this is the first time he heard of something like this happening in their area.

“It pretty shocking, this close to home,” Smith said.

Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police were called out just before 7 p.m. Friday to gunshots heard in the area.

Police discovered a young couple shot to death in their home.

Investigators identified the couple as Bailee Ray Southwick, 18, and Mackenzie Lyman, 21, from the Dallas, Oregon area.

Police arrested Mitchell Morris, 20, in Salem on Saturday after he fled the area. Investigators say Morris, who was living with the victims, shot and killed the couple.

Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to piece together Morris’s whereabouts after leaving the ranch.

“We’re just trying to determined what he did from when this incident happened to the time he was arrested,” OSP Lt. Bill Fugate said.

For Smith, it will take time for his quiet and peaceful neighborhood to get back to normal.

“You’re always a little more careful after something like that happens. You just make sure your doors are locked,” Smith said.

Morris is being held without bail at the Jefferson County Jail on two counts of murder and several other charges. He’s expected to make his first court appearance Monday afternoon.