Gold Hill, OR – Detectives with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a homicide that occurred Thursday morning near Interstate 5 in rural Gold Hill. A suspect has been arrested, and authorities say there is no current danger to the public.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), the victim was identified as Steven Jason Worthington, 47, of Shady Cove. Emergency dispatchers first received calls around 8:01 a.m. October 30, reporting an injured man attempting to flag down vehicles on I-5 South near mile marker 42.5. Paramedics arrived but were unable to save the victim, who was pronounced deceased at 8:36 a.m.
Investigators later located a suspicious individual in the 1000 block of Galls Creek Road, determining that person to be the suspect. Deputies arrested Michael Lloyd Balestra Jr., 34, of Gold Hill, who now faces charges including second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and unlawful use of a weapon.
Traffic on I-5 was temporarily reduced to one lane during the investigation but has since reopened. Multiple agencies—including Oregon State Police, Rogue River Police, and the Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit—responded to assist.
Balestra remains lodged in the Jackson County Jail. The Oregon State Police Crime Lab and local police departments continue assisting with the ongoing investigation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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