PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A third arrest has been made in the Hood River bike theft incident that tragically resulted in the death of Stephen Hayes, according to the Hood River Sheriff’s Office.
Johnathan Bradly Matthews, 31, was initially identified as a person of interest in the case. He has now been charged with second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree robbery, first-degree theft, and unauthorized use of a vehicle following his arrest in The Dalles.
Authorities say Matthews is linked to an April 11 confrontation that turned fatal when Hayes attempted to stop the theft of a bicycle from his car. The confrontation occurred near Fifth and June Street, where Hayes was reportedly struck and “mortally injured.” Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other suspects — William Edward Hardy Jr. and Elizabeth June Bowman — were arrested earlier and face charges of second-degree manslaughter, first-degree robbery, first-degree theft, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Court documents reveal that Hardy is homeless, receiving mail under general delivery to The Dalles, while Bowman is a resident of Hood River. Their exact arrest locations have not yet been confirmed.
The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement continues to piece together the events that led to Hayes’ death.
