On the morning of December 14, 2020, Kurt Krauss, a 56-year-old White / Caucasian male, was found dead outside his place of business in Merlin, Oregon. A resident of Grants Pass, Krauss was discovered with fatal gunshot wounds at the North Valley Industrial Park on Corporate Way. The report of a shooting came in at 6:52 a.m., and upon their arrival, deputies found Krauss deceased at the scene. The investigation, led by the Oregon State Police, determined that Krauss had just arrived at the office building he owned and was shot moments after exiting his vehicle. Surveillance footage indicated he did not even have the chance to close his truck door before he was killed.
The Josephine County Major Crime Team was activated, with the Oregon State Police taking the lead in the investigation, assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, and the Josephine County District Attorney's Office. Despite a thorough and prolonged investigation, no arrests have been made in the case, and authorities have not publicly named any suspects. The case remains an active and ongoing homicide investigation.
Over the years, investigators have continued to follow up on tips and explore advancements in forensic analysis. The Oregon State Police have made public appeals for information, urging anyone to come forward, no matter how insignificant their information might seem. They have asked the public to consider if they noticed anyone with unexplained injuries, someone who abruptly left the area after the incident, or anyone who displayed an unusual interest in or avoidance of the case. The community and the family of Kurt Krauss are still awaiting answers and justice in his unsolved murder.
