A 22-year-old Oregon man faces murder charges after a 51-year-old woman he allegedly attacked and viciously beat with a can of soup succumbed to her injuries and died in the hospital.
Anthony Siple was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree manslaughter, and one count of first-degree robbery in connection with the slaying of Jessa D. Delyon, authorities said.
According to a news release from the Medford Police Department, officers responded at about 6:16 a.m. on Nov. 18 to an emergency call regarding a disturbance on North Keene Way Drive, about 275 miles south of Portland, Oregon.
Police said callers reported a man attacking a woman who could be heard”screaming.”
Moments later, 911 dispatchers received a phone call from the suspect, identified as Siple, who said he “had just assaulted a female and made somewhat incoherent statements,” authorities said.
Anthony Siple (Medford PD) and Jessa D. Delyon (GoFundMe)
Officers arrived within three minutes and contacted Siple as he walked away from the scene with evidence that he had been involved in an assault, authorities said.
He was immediately taken into custody, police said.
The victim was found nearby, in serious condition. She was taken to a hospital, where she was listed in critical condition before dying on Dec. 5, authorities said.
Siple was booked at the Jackson County Jail and initially charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of first-degree assault.
Police also said there is no indication Siple and Delyon knew each other before the attack.
Police described the suspect using a blunt object that they recovered, police said.
Officers said the victim frequently made morning walks and lived in the area.
According to a report from Medford, Oregon, NBC affiliate KOBI, the blunt instrument used to assault Delyon was an unopened can of soup.
“While stranger-on-stranger assaults are extremely rare, the police department cautions people to remain vigilant during outside activities,” Medford Police Lt. Geoff Kirkpatrick said in a statement. “Being in groups, walking during daylight hours, carrying protective measures, and remaining aware of your surroundings are all important steps for your continued safety. Our heart goes out to the victim and her family.”
On a GoFundMe page, Deylon’s daughter mourned the loss of her mother.
“My mother died December 5th. We donated her heart, lungs, liver and both kidneys and saved the lives of 5 people. We also donated her pancreas and skin cells to research. She wanted to do both and I’m so glad I got to make sure she contributed to both organ donation and medical research. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and who has donated… I’m not sure what else to say.. Roman, Dillon and I are grateful for the donations.. it has helped ease the stress of me missing work.. Hug your loved ones this holiday season. We’re missing a huge part of our family this year.. it’s never going to be same.”
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