George Bundy Wasson, a 79-year-old renowned storyteller, educator, and elder of the Coquille Indian Tribe, died under tragic circumstances on March 19, 2014, at his home in Eugene, Oregon. The incident involved a homicide and an ensuing fire at his residence on Elk Avenue.
According to the Eugene police, Wasson was suspected to have been killed by an acquaintance, Ricardo Antonio Chaney, 32, of Eugene. Chaney was known to be acquainted with Wasson's family.
The police investigation revealed that after shooting Wasson, Chaney set fire to Wasson's house. This violent act was part of a series of incidents that unfolded in the early hours of March 19, 2014.
Following the homicide and arson, Chaney was involved in a subsequent carjacking incident at around 1:12 a.m. on the same day. During this incident, two males in their 20s were robbed at gunpoint of a black 2006 BMW. The victims were forced into the trunk of the car but managed to escape before the car left the parking lot and called 9-1-1. Both victims were unharmed but shaken by the ordeal.
The investigation led to an all-points bulletin being issued to Oregon and surrounding states' law enforcement agencies. The manhunt for Chaney escalated, and by around 10:30 a.m., there was an armed confrontation involving Chaney in California. During this confrontation, Chaney shot Mendocino County Sheriff's Deputy Ricky Del Fiorentino, 48, of Fort Bragg, California. Chaney was subsequently killed in a shootout with California law enforcement officers.
Prior to the fatal incidents, Chaney had a recent encounter with Eugene police on March 6, 2014. During this encounter, officers were dispatched to the area of Monroe Street Park regarding possible stolen property. Chaney was found to be in possession of a vehicle linked to a stolen cell phone, but he denied consent for a search. Despite this, officers observed him committing several traffic violations, leading to his arrest for unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine. The search of his vehicle revealed several firearms, including a modified AR-15 and body armor.
The Eugene Police Department continued to investigate Wasson's murder and collaborated with Mendocino County public safety officials on the related cases. The family of George Bundy Wasson was notified of the circumstances surrounding his death, and the carjacking victims were re-contacted to ensure their well-being and to offer condolences to the families of both Wasson and Deputy Del Fiorentino.
George Bundy Wasson was a significant figure in the community, having first enrolled at the University of Oregon in 1953 and later earning multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in anthropology. He was instrumental in founding the Native American Student Union at the UO and was known for his storytelling and contributions to the preservation of Native American culture in Oregon.
