On February 13, 2024, at approximately 8:10 AM, the Coos County Sheriff's Office received several 911 calls reporting a shooting at the Seaport RV Park in Charleston, Oregon. Emergency medical personnel and Coos County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene, where they found 31-year-old Ian Cowan of Charleston deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.
The investigation led to the activation of the Coos County Major Crime Team.
Later that morning, authorities arrested 32-year-old Alyssia R. Nelson, who was living with Cowan at the RV park, and charged her with 2nd Degree Murder. Nelson was lodged at the Coos County Jail, with her bail set at $2 million following her arraignment on February 14.
Ian Cowan was described by his family as a caring and generous individual. His mother, Jamie Brown, and father, Daniel Cowan, noted that he was known for his kindness and willingness to help others, often buying food and giving it away to those in need. Cowan left behind three children and seven siblings.
In response to his death, Cowan's family planned a celebration of life, which was scheduled for February 24, 2024, at Nelson Mortuary in Coos Bay. The family also set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs.
Alyssia Nelson was scheduled for a hearing on February 21, 2024, related to the 2nd Degree Murder charge.
