On Wednesday, November 22nd at 5:42 PM, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Chestnut Street for the report of multiple gunshots heard in the area. Officers were on scene shortly after the initial calls were received. Upon arrival officers located 23-year-old Christian Barajas deceased from an apparent gunshot wound lying on the side of the street.
Witnesses in the area reported seeing a dark-colored minivan leaving at a high rate of speed north on Chestnut Street towards Meadows Lane. It is believed Barajas was walking on Chestnut Street when this incident occurred.
Detectives from Medford Police Department and the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE) are actively working this investigation. The Medford Police Department is being assisted by Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab.
Detectives are trying to determine if this incident is gang-related. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Medford Police Department at (541) 774-2250