Assault Investigation Escalated to Homicide in Klamath Falls
Suspect arrested following January assault that left 55-year-old man dead
An assault investigation in Klamath Falls has been upgraded to a homicide case following the death of the victim, according to the Klamath Falls Police Department.
Police were dispatched at approximately 6:26 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, to a reported assault at the Ewauna Apartments, located at 219 South 11th Street. Dispatchers were advised that a reporting party’s friend had been assaulted by a male suspect in the area.
The victim was identified as Joe Dane, 55, who was last seen in an alleyway near the apartment complex. Witnesses reported seeing a suspicious male fleeing the area shortly after the assault. The individual was described as wearing blue jeans, a blue hooded vest, a gray sweater, black Vans shoes, and blue gloves.
Dane sustained life-threatening injuries and was initially transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later transferred to St. Charles Medical Center. Authorities confirmed that Dane died from his injuries on Wednesday, January 21.
Following his death, the Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated, and the case was formally elevated to a homicide investigation.
A suspect was identified and arrested without incident on Thursday, January 22. Police identified the suspect as Jorge Deleon, 37, of Tulelake, California. He was lodged at the Klamath County Jail on charges of Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Authorities credited assistance from multiple agencies during the investigation, including the California Highway Patrol and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office. The Major Crime Team includes members from the Klamath Falls Police Department, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Police, and the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is asked to reference KFPD Case #2026-01130070 and contact the Klamath Falls Police Department at 541-883-5336 or the KFPD Tip Line at 541-883-5334.
