A 42-year-old man killed four family members, including his infant daughter, at his home on South Barlow Road between Canby and Woodburn, Clackamas County deputies reported early this morning.
The suspect, who was attempting to murder an 8-year-old girl when deputies arrived on the scene, was also killed.
The suspect was identified as Mark Leo Gregory Gago, 42, of Woodburn. The victims were later identified as his infant daughter, girlfriend, mother and stepfather, according to The Oregonian.
He was attempting to kill a young girl (reportedly, his girlfriend’s daughter) when deputies saved her life by the use of lethal force. State leaders would later praise deputies for their courage and quick actions that prevented further loss of life.
The victims of the quadruple murder were:
Olivia Lynn Rose Gago – 9 months old
Shaina E. Sweitzer – 31 years old
Jerry William Bremer – 66 years old
Pamela Denise Bremer – 64 years old
All were residents of the same house near Woodburn. Gago used more than one weapon during the homicidal rampage, including an ax and knives.
“They were not shot,” Clackamas County PIO Brian Jensen said of the victims at a press conference near the scene Sunday morning. “We’re not sure what was used at this time. I’ve been told that there were numerous weapons, swords, things of that nature in the residence.“
Police are used to seeing brutal crimes, but this was something else. “I cannot explain how horrific it is,” Jensen said.
Two family members, the young girl and an adult woman, survived the attack and were taken to nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No deputies were injured.
Barlow Road was closed Sunday morning while law enforcement continued their investigation but has since been reopened to traffic.
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PIO in scene at HWY 211/S Barlow. Multiple deaths, OIS, no CCSO deputies are injured. pic.twitter.com/SgCddbvnoJ
The involved deputies have been placed on leave pending an investigation of the deadly-force incident — standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting.
Anyone with information on Mark Gago or the events that led up to this horrific crime is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line — by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at https://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp — please reference CCSO Case # 19-001568.