In early February of 2018, a sense of unease began to grow among the friends and colleagues of Suzanne Jackels, a 57-year-old White woman from Salem, Oregon. For two days, neither Suzanne nor her husband, Rick, had shown up for work, a silence that was deeply out of character for the couple known for their vibrant and social nature. A concerned citizen reached out to the Polk County Sheriff's office on the morning of February 7th, setting in motion a discovery that would sadden their
community.
Deputies were dispatched to the Jackels' residence on Lakeview Drive NW, a home nestled just west of Salem's city limits. Upon entering the house, they found Suzanne and her 59-year-old husband deceased inside. It was apparent to the investigators that they had been dead for some time. Friends of the couple were left in shock, describing them as happy, full of life, and very giving people who enjoyed vacationing, hosting parties, and spending time with their wide network of friends. The news of their sudden and unexpected deaths was a devastating blow to those who knew them.
An autopsy conducted the following day confirmed that both Suzanne and Rick Jackels had died from gunshot wounds. The Polk County Sheriff, Mark Garton, addressed the public's concerns by stating that there was no evidence of any other suspects involved in the deaths. He assured the community that there was no ongoing danger. The investigation concluded that there were no outstanding suspects, bringing a somber closure to the tragic event that took the lives of the well-loved couple.
