Blanket sought in murder investigation found; suspect charged by grand jury

BEND, OR — The Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office is investigating two recent violent crimes in which the victims and suspects are all homeless. District Attorney Steve Gunnels says the first is a murder investigation: “A really tragic case: 62-year-old David Hickman was at his campsite. He was homeless. And he was attacked with a knife. He was found dead at his campsite.” Hickman’s body was found on May 30.

Brian Wynn was indicted by a grand jury on Monday. Gunnels told KBND News, “Mr. Wynn himself is homeless and there are no real known connections between the two other than that they came into contact at that particular time.” He adds: “We are still investigating possible motives, but it looks like one of those senseless crimes is being committed. In cases like this, there is always the possibility of drugs and mental illness, and we are seeing some signs of that.”

Investigators had asked for help in locating a blanket that Wynn was wearing on surveillance video (pictured) around the time of the murder.It was turned over to the Bend Police Department by a citizen and seized as evidence,” Gunnels said. Bend Police confirmed the blanket was found but declined to release details, citing an ongoing investigation.

Also in court on Monday: Darron Reece is charged with attempted murder. The incident occurred on June 3 near 17th and Hemlock Streets in northeast Redmond. “Lowell Templeton drove himself to the emergency room at St. Charles in Redmond. He had been shot in the face with a .40-caliber pistol,” says Gunnels. “A few days after the shooting, Darron Reece turned himself in to Prineville police and surrendered a .40-caliber pistol.” The victim is expected to survive. “He is currently receiving treatment, but is recovering and is in contact with hospital staff and police. And he is very lucky to be alive.”

Gunnels says again that the motive is still unclear and Both men seem to have barely known each other.