On March 15, 2020, a tragic incident occurred in Winston, Oregon, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including 24-year-old Nicholas David Lehman-Helmke. The incident took place near Ford Street, where Lehman-Helmke and 31-year-old Benny Alexander Stallings were shot and killed just before 2 a.m.
The perpetrator of the shooting was identified as 34-year-old Savino David DeSantiago. DeSantiago was known to both of the victims, suggesting a prior relationship or connection. Following the fatal shooting, DeSantiago did not flee the scene immediately; instead, he drove to another residence on Peach Street. There, he honked his horn and then began firing into the home through a window before fleeing the area.
DeSantiago later turned himself in to the authorities regarding the shooting. His actions led to his arrest and subsequent lodging in the Douglas County Jail, where he was charged with murder. Additional charges were pending at the time of the report, indicating that the investigation was ongoing and further legal actions might be taken.
The shooting and subsequent events marked a disturbing sequence of violence in the community, highlighting the severity of the crimes committed by DeSantiago. The fact that DeSantiago was known to the victims adds a layer of complexity to the case, suggesting that the motivations behind the shooting may have been rooted in personal or relational issues.
The investigation and legal proceedings against DeSantiago were likely to continue, with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies working to gather all relevant evidence and build a comprehensive case against him. The community of Winston was left to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, mourning the loss of two young lives and seeking justice for the families of the victims.
