JACKSONVILLE, Oregon – A 28-year-old Medford man is lodged in the Jackson County Jail after stabbing a co-worker at a marijuana grow in the 6600-block of Upper Applegate Rd., south of Jacksonville. Deputies responded to 911 calls reporting the assault on Saturday, July 8, just after 3:00 pm. 28-year-old Matthew Ray Gabbard was taken into custody without incident.
Detectives say Gabbard and the victim, Jakob Crouch, 31, of Florida, were cutting irrigation lines at a grow site. Gabbard stabbed Crouch with a knife numerous times in the chest and abdomen. Detectives believe the stabbing was unprovoked and that Gabbard intended to kill Crouch.
Crouch was transported by ambulance to Rogue Regional Medical Center with stab wounds that did not appear to be life-threatening.
Gabbard received treatment for a cut to his hand at Providence Medford Medical Center prior to being lodged in jail on charges of attempted murder, assault in the second degree, and unlawful use of a weapon. The case will be reviewed by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office and scheduled for grand jury later this week.
