Matthew Allen Pearce, a 30-year-old Caucasian male, died on July 15, 2015, in Salem, Oregon. An Iraq War veteran who had served in the Oregon National Guard as a military policeman and recruiter, his life was cut short by gunfire. The events that led to his death unfolded inside a West Salem house, where police were called to investigate a disturbance.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered Pearce deceased in the master bedroom from multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into the shooting quickly focused on Nicholas Ransom, then 34 years old, who was present at the scene. Ransom claimed that he had shot Pearce in self-defense during a physical altercation. According to his account to the police, Pearce had attacked and choked him, and he fired his weapon because he feared for his life. However, investigators found discrepancies between Ransom's story, the evidence at the scene, and witness statements, which led to his arrest.
Initially charged with murder, first-degree manslaughter, and unlawful use of a weapon, Nicholas Ransom ultimately reached a plea agreement. In July 2016, a year after Pearce's death, Ransom pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of second-degree manslaughter and possession of a firearm. As a result of the plea deal, the more severe charges were dismissed.
