Son arrested after parents' bodies found in Oregon freezer
PORTLAND, Ore. - A 38-year-old man is accused of killing his parents, whose bodies were found in a freezer at their Oregon home, authorities said Thursday.
Jeremy Daniel Ringquist was jailed on two counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of Randy and Karen Ringquist, whom he lived with in Springfield, police Sgt. Rich Charboneau said.
Officers went to the house 110 miles south of Portland twice in recent weeks after an out-of-state relative couldn't reach the family and asked police to check on them. The first time was June 15, the second was Monday. Each time, notes on the door said the family was gone.
An officer returned Tuesday. As he knocked, a man inside called 911 and asked for a police negotiator.
More officers arrived and forced their way in when the caller did not come to the door. Jeremy Ringquist was found bleeding from injuries believed to be self-inflicted, police said. Paramedics took him to the hospital.
Investigators obtained a search warrant and discovered the two bodies in a chest-style freezer. Charboneau said detectives believe the bodies are those of the missing couple.
Police have not said how the parents were killed or how long they were dead. No autopsy results have been released.
Neighbors told The Register-Guard newspaper that the son moved in with his parents about six months ago following a divorce. They said the family had a tumultuous relationship, with the 63-year-old father often verbally abusive toward his wife and son.
A search of Oregon court records did not turn up any prior arrests for Ringquist, who was released from the hospital Thursday morning and arrested.
It was not immediately known if Ringquist has retained a lawyer or will ask a judge for a court-appointed attorney at a court appearance set for Friday.