Three dead in suspected murder / suicide Klamath County Police say
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- On Friday, December 20, 2024, a deputy with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a suspicious incident in the Bonanza / Bly Mountain area regarding two brothers, and concern from family members about their welfare due to the recent erratic behavior of the older brother.
The vehicle the men were reported to be in was located by the deputy a short time later on Keno Springs Road. As the deputy and a second responding deputy prepared to attempt contact with the driver, the vehicle stopped on the roadway. As deputies approached the vehicle a single gunshot was heard as the driver, Bradley Anderson, took his own life.
Oregon State Police responded at the request of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office to conduct the investigation due to the deputies being witnesses to the suicide. Of immediate concern was the safety and location of the younger brother, Joseph Anderson. As the investigation progressed, the younger brother was located in the rear cargo area of the vehicle hidden under blankets; he was deceased and appeared to have also died from a gunshot wound. Family members of the two young men were contacted and advised of the tragic incident as they and friends were preparing a search party. The District Attorney was notified and responded to the scene.
As the investigation continued, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office attempted to determine the welfare of the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the apparent murder / suicide. The owner of the vehicle was located at his residence near Beatty, Oregon; he was found deceased inside of his home, the apparent victim of a gunshot wound.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this death in conjunction with the Oregon State Police in a joint investigation involving the deaths of three persons. The initial assessment is that two criminal homicides had occurred followed by a suicide, and that three different locations / crime scenes were involved. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Oregon State Police.
