Investigators collect evidence after a shooting north of Central Point. [Photo courtesy of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office]
Police have released the name of the man killed during a shooting north of Central Point, and court records show the suspect is accused of trying to murder two women the same day.
The victim of Thursday’s shooting was Nicholas Steven Davis, 38, of Grants Pass. Next of kin has been notified, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.
Thomas Anthony Murphy II, 37, of Medford remains in the Jackson County Jail without bail, according to jail records.
Murphy has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Davis. Murphy faces a charge of second-degree attempted murder constituting domestic violence for allegedly attempting to cause the death of a woman, plus a charge of second-degree attempted murder for allegedly attempting to cause the death of a second woman, according to Jackson County Circuit Court records.
Murphy also faces charges of unlawful use of a firearm and fleeing police, court records show.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a shooting at 12:24 a.m. Thursday in the 3500 block of Kirtland Road. Murphy fled in a vehicle from multiple law enforcement agencies, but was arrested south of Ashland on Interstate 5 after a police officer put out a spike strip.
A Mercy Flights ambulance transported Davis to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Circuit Court records show Murphy pleaded guilty to driving with a suspended license and without insurance in 2011.
Davis had a long criminal record, with multiple convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, plus first-degree burglary, first-degree theft and methamphetamine possession.
In 2020, a Jackson County sheriff’s deputy found Davis with a holster and loaded pistol during a traffic stop. Davis was known to law enforcement for being “armed and dangerous.” He told the deputy he needed the gun for protection, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or valdous@rosebudmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.