The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 23 that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the 2022 homicide of Jeremy Levi Gurtner.
The case is significant as it brings closure to a homicide investigation that began over four years ago. Detectives and partner agencies have worked extensively to solve the case since Mr. Gurtner’s body was found.
According to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, detectives and members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force took Marco Antonio Herrera, age 44, into custody without incident at a residence in Portland on Friday, May 22. The investigation began after Mr. Gurtner’s body was discovered in the Columbia River Slough near Northeast 105th Avenue and Northeast Alderwood Road on April 8, 2022. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office determined his death was caused by a gunshot wound and ruled it a homicide.
Herrera was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center at approximately 1:02 p.m., where he is being held without bail for second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement. He is scheduled to appear in court at the Multnomah County Justice Center on May 26 at 9 a.m., according to information from law enforcement officials.
In an official statement, authorities said: “This arrest is the direct result of more than four years of hard work by Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office detectives and partner agencies. We are relieved to bring this measure of closure and resolution to Mr. Gurtner’s family, who have waited so long for justice.” They added that no further details about the case can be released at this time.
The Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation for assistance from several organizations including the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, East County Major Crimes Team—which includes detectives from local police departments—and the District Attorney’s office.
Officials emphasized that charges are only allegations and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. They also noted that jail booking photos are generally not released unless there is a law enforcement purpose under ORS 133.870.