In the quiet city of Dallas, Oregon, a shocking act of violence shattered the weekend peace on Saturday, November 9, 2024, leading to the death of 54-year-old Tony Miller. The male victim was fatally shot at his own residence, a trailer located in the 1400 block of Southeast Monmouth Cutoff Road. Dallas police officers responded to a report of shots fired at the rural home at approximately 9:30 a.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered Miller and attempted life-saving measures, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The investigation quickly identified a suspect: Tony Miller's own brother, Alonzo E. Rowell, a 51-year-old resident of Dallas and a former corrections officer. After the shooting, Rowell drove approximately 18 miles to his previous workplace, the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. He attempted to make contact with employees on the property but did not gain entry into the prison. His presence prompted a response from the Salem Police Department's SWAT team, leading to a brief standoff with authorities. Ultimately, Rowell surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody without any further incident.
Following his arrest, Alonzo Rowell was lodged at the Polk County Jail. The Polk County District Attorney's Office formally charged him with several serious crimes, including Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Reckless Endangering Another Person. During his arraignment in Polk County Circuit Court, he was denied bail. While the motive for the shooting has not been publicly disclosed by officials, the case is being thoroughly investigated by a multi-agency effort involving the Dallas Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Rowell had previously resigned from his position as a corrections officer in April 2023, and his departure had been under review by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training since May 2023.
