UPDATE
Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that her detectives have arrested two people in connection to the homicide of Christopher Smith that occurred in a parking lot at the intersection of Highway 34 and Peoria Road, east of Corvallis on October 4, 2025.
Steve Dwayne Simmons Jr., 44, of Albany, was arrested on October 17, 2025 by members of the Linn County Regional SWAT Team at the Geary Street Urgent Care located at the intersection of Queen Avenue SE and Geary Street in Albany. Simmons attempted to flee law enforcement but was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. Simmons was transported to the Linn County Jail and charged with Murder in the Second Degree.
On October 22, 2025, Detectives presented their investigation to the Linn County Grand Jury. As a result, Simmons was indicted on Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, and two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The Linn County Grand Jury also indicted Joshua Edward Gabell, 41, of Corvallis, on Murder in the Second Degree and Robbery in the First Degree.
Gabell has been in custody at the Linn County Jail since October 10, 2025, when he was lodged for an unrelated Parole Violation.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office has been assisted in their investigation by the Oregon State University Public Safety Department, the Albany Police Department, the Corvallis Police Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
No further details will be released on this investigation as it is continuing. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (866) 557-9988.
Previous Press Releases
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is releasing further information regarding the homicide that occurred on Saturday, October 4th on Highway 34 and Peoria Road, east of Corvallis. When the Corvallis Fire Department arrived the morning of the incident, they found a single male occupant in a gray 2013 Chevrolet Camaro that had been crashed into a fence. As they started to render aid to the male, they found he had been shot. Deputies arrived shortly after the fire department and began a criminal investigation. The occupant of the Chevrolet Camaro was identified as Christopher Joseph Smith, 30, from Albany. Smith died on scene from his injuries. Linn County Detectives are investigating the homicide. Smith’s family has been notified of his passing. Anyone with information on this incident should contact Detective Scott Tennant at (541) 967-3950.
Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that this morning, October 4, 2025, at 4:19 a.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call for a crash near Peoria Road and Highway 34, near Corvallis in Linn County. The Corvallis Fire Department arrived at the reported crash location prior to law enforcement’s arrival. As the Corvallis Fire Department began rendering aid to the single occupant of the vehicle, they observed injuries not related to the crash. The Corvallis Fire Department attempted lifesaving efforts, but the single occupant died at the scene of the crash.
Detectives from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and are currently investigating the death as a homicide. At this time, the name of the deceased is not being released and no additional information will be made to the public. 