On May 6, 2019, a tragic incident occurred in Salem, Oregon, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including Michael Buntjer, who was 35 years old at the time of his death. The incident involved a shooting that left two people dead and one injured.
Michael Buntjer, one of the victims, was a resident of Salem and was known for his dedication to caring for those around him.
He succumbed to his injuries at Salem Hospital after the shooting.
The shooting led to the arrest of two suspects, Keonte Caldwell and Curtis Welch. Keonte Caldwell, 23 years old, and Curtis Welch, 26 years old, were apprehended by law enforcement on May 7, 2019, in the Roseburg area of Southern Oregon. The arrests were made in connection with the aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder charges stemming from the Salem shooting.
The suspects, Caldwell and Welch, were identified as being known to the victims, suggesting a potential prior relationship or connection. The investigation and subsequent arrests were conducted by local law enforcement agencies, which worked swiftly to apprehend the individuals responsible for the deadly incident.
In the aftermath of the arrests, both Keonte Caldwell and Curtis Welch faced serious charges. The legal proceedings culminated in a significant sentence for one of the individuals involved. Bradley Kelley, another individual connected to the case, was also found dead at the scene of the shooting. However, it was later reported that Bradley Kelley was not one of the suspects but rather another victim of the shooting. In July 2022, one of the perpetrators was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the killings.
The case highlights the swift and decisive action taken by law enforcement in responding to and resolving violent crimes in the community. The arrests and subsequent sentencing served as a measure of justice for the families and loved ones of the victims, including Michael Buntjer.
