Sean C. Morgan
The investigation into the deaths of the Shobert family on April 28 has not slowed over the last week, as investigators continue to work the case, interviewing witnesses, processing digital evidence, and analyzing leads, police said.
According to a police statement on Friday, May 8, “evidence gathered indicates this was an isolated and targeted act of violence and not a random act. The full force of local and area resources has been tasked with providing resolution to the family and the community.”
Police had previously confirmed that gunshot wounds were found on victims, as well as other injuries not attributed to the fire, at 1530 Tamarack St.
Now investigators are trying to determine why.
Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District and the Sweet Home Police responded just before 7 a.m. to find the manufactured home engulfed with fire upon their arrival.
Upon extinguishing the flames rescue personnel entered the home where they discovered four deceased persons, Police Chief Jeff Lynn said.
“When personnel entered the residence and began to investigate, they discovered trauma to the bodies that were not consistent with trauma caused by a fire,” Lynn said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
“Their initial examination of the scene included evidence of gunshot wounds as well as sharp, blunt force trauma. Sweet Home Police then called additional agencies for assistance in the investigation.”
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Oregon State Police Arson Investigation unit, the Linn County Deputy Medical Examiner’s Office, the Linn County District Attorney’s Office, and members of the Linn County Major Crimes team all responded and aided in the investigation.
The deceased have been identified as John Shobert, 63; Tiffany Shobert, 42; Johnathon Shobert, 15; and Charlotte Shobert, 2. All four were residents of the home.
Autopsies were conducted by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s office Thursday, and the causes of death have been determined.
Those causes and manners of death are being withheld pending contact with family members and additional investigative work, Lynn said.
Fire investigators determined that an accelerant, gasoline, was used to start the fire, he said. A firearm, the sharp, blunt-force instrument, and a torch lighter were located near the bodies.
“It’s still an active, open investigation,” Lynn told The New Era Monday, so some details need to remain undisclosed. “Officers and detectives are actively working various leads.”
Among those is a forensic examination of digital evidence from the scene, Lynn said. They also are investigating the social media accounts of those involved.
Investigators are confident about what happened, Lynn said, but they’re trying to figure out why it happened.
“The fire slowed our whole process down,” Lynn said, creating a whole new dynamic in the investigation.
“We’re still moving forward with it as fast as possible,” Lynn said, and additional information will be available later.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends during this tragic time,” Lynn said. “Again, we ask everyone to be sensitive to the families of the victims and refrain from speculation of the circumstances.”
Anyone with information associated with this event is encouraged to contact Sweet Home Police Detective Keenan Martin at (541) 367-5181.
“They lived in the park quite a while, several years,” said Abby Mace, park manager. “I don’t really know them a whole bunch. What I know of them, they were very nice, didn’t have any indications there was a problem or anything.
“They did some work for different people around the park. They were very helpful” doing a combination of odd jobs or simply helping neighbors.
John Shobert did some work for owners who were flipping homes and is responsible for remodeling some homes in the park, Mace said.
“They were a good family,” Mace said. “I’m still in shock.”
“The Sweet Home School District mourns the loss of one of our students, Johnathon Shobert.” said Supt. Tom Yahraes in a statement. “We express our sincere condolences to his extended family and friends.”
Sweet Home High School Principal Ralph Brown said his staff suspected early on that a student may have been among the victims. Counselors reached out to students in the area to make sure they were OK and to let them know counselors were available if they needed anything.
Grief counseling is available through online video conferencing or by phone with high school counselors, Yahraes said. Students who may need counseling may also contact the Linn County Mental Health Crisis line, (541) 967-3866 for urgent needs.