Law enforcement officials are still searching for what they are calling a person of interest in the May 27 shooting death of a Hermiston man.
The Hermiston Police Department on May 27 reported they are looking for Tyree Houfmuse, 34. He is an African American about 6’1” and approximately 200-240 pounds.
The shooting took place around 2:31 a.m. on Saturday, May 27. The incident occurred at 525 S.W. 13th Place. The first officer arrived and found James John Cragun, 38, non-responsive. Cragun, who lived at the address on 13th Place, later died at the scene.
Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston issued the following statement on Friday:
“We wanted to push this information out in hopes a member of the public either in our area or in the Pacific Northwest would assist by calling their local authorities if they know the whereabouts of Mr. Houfmuse. This investigation is still very active as an incredible amount of physical evidence has been seized and will be processed by the Oregon State Police crime lab. We continue to work diligently with the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office to hopefully bring some closure to this horrific event.”
The investigation is being led by the Hermiston Police Department and assisted by the Major Crime Team representing several agencies. The agencies assisting are Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Umatilla Police Department, Boardman Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Police Department and the Oregon State Police.
