On November 21, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Grants Pass, Oregon, resulting in the death of Katherine Crago. At approximately 7:42 p.m., the Grants Pass Police Department responded to a report of gunshots inside an apartment located in the 1400 block of Rogue River Highway. Upon arrival, officers found one victim, Katherine Crago, who had been shot and another male victim who had been severely beaten.
Despite immediate medical attention, Katherine Crago did not survive her wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The male victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was expected to recover from his injuries.
The incident was part of a residential robbery that turned violent. The investigation, led by the Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit and assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies including the Oregon State Police Major Crimes Unit, Oregon State Police Crime Lab, Josephine County District Attorney's Office, Josephine County Sheriff's Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service, revealed that the victims had been specifically targeted for the robbery.
Several suspects were identified and arrested in connection with the crime. Sasha Marie Moe was arrested on November 22, Rick Eric Braton Lester on December 4, and Michael Fay Woodruff on December 11. All three suspects were booked into the Josephine County Jail on charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and second-degree assault.
The primary suspect, however, was Kelly Lynn Mason, a 48-year-old white male described as approximately 5'11” tall, weighing about 200 pounds, with a bald head, brown eyes, and numerous tattoos. Mason was considered armed and extremely dangerous and was last seen driving a white Honda Accord with Oregon license plate 378PCG. Despite a multi-agency manhunt, Mason's whereabouts were unknown until December 15, 2023, when he was located by law enforcement near Grants Pass. Mason fled from pursuing officers, leading to a vehicle pursuit that ended at Highway 199 and Allen Creek Road. During the pursuit, Mason was shot and killed by law enforcement officers from the Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police, and Josephine County Sheriff's Office.
The investigation into the incident was led by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, with oversight from the Josephine County District Attorney's Office. The incident highlighted the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety and bringing perpetrators to justice.
