Sweet Home Police Respond to Fatal Fire - 6

SWEET HOME, Ore. June 23, 2020 10:10 a.m. — On April 28, 2020, at approximately 6:51 a.m., the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District and the Sweet Home Police Department responded to a reported house fire at 1530 Tamarack Street, space #29 Sweet Home, Linn County, Oregon. When fire personnel arrived, the structure was engulfed with fire.

When investigators entered the residence and started the investigation, they discovered trauma on the bodies of the four deceased persons inside. The trauma was not consistent with trauma caused by a fire. Initial investigators found evidence of gunshot wounds as well as sharp, blunt force trauma.  As a result of the initial findings the local investigation team reached out for additional help.

Multiple agencies responded and assisted with the investigation. Those agencies included the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, investigators with the Oregon State Police Arson Investigation Unit, the Linn County Deputy Medical Examiner Office, the Linn County District Attorney's Office, and members of the Linn County Major Crimes Team.

The four deceased individuals were identified as two year-old Charlotte Shobert, 15 year-old Johnathon Shobert, 41 year-old Tiffany Shobert, and 63 year-old John Shobert.

When investigators completed processing the scene, the evidence located and seized revealed that Tiffany, Johnathon, and Charlotte were victims of homicide. Autopsies were conducted by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s office and confirmed the causes of death.

The cause of death for John Shobert (63) was a single gunshot wound, and the manner of death was determined to be suicide. A small-caliber handgun and a torch lighter were located near his body. John Shobert is the suspect in the homicides.

Fire investigators verified that an accelerant, gasoline, was used to start the fire.

Investigators have determined what happened, they are still seeking to determine why it happened. The reality is that investigators may never be able to fully answer that question.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victim's family and friends during this tragic time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Keenan Martin at the Sweet Home Police Department, 541-367-5181.

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For Additional Information Contact:
Sweet Home Police Department
541-367-5181
shpd@sweethomeor.gov