🌱 Ongoing Investigation Of Couple's Death In Salem + Arson Suspect

Hi all. I'm back with your new copy of the Salem Patch newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Cloudy with occasional rain. High: 56 Low: 40.
• Saturday: Cloudy. High: 60 Low: 45.

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Here are the top three stories today in Salem:

1. Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies are still actively investigating the deaths of 37-year-old Kali Lou Roque and 37-year-old Juan Roque-Delaguarda, who were found dead in their home in northeast Salem on Mar. 30. The husband and wife's deaths were discovered four months after Roque's mother was found dead at her home in Monmouth. Police called Roque's mother's death "suspicious." Investigators have declined to release further information about the incident, including how Roque and Roque-Delaguarda died. (Statesman Journal)
2. The Salem Police Department released images of an arson suspect from surveillance footage of a fire near a West Salem restaurant. According to police, the surveillance video shows a man throwing an incendiary device into a storage shed near the La Hacienda Restaurant on Taggart Drive Northeast. Police said the fire caused minimal damage and extinguished itself. The suspect is described as a man wearing glasses with dark frames, an inside-out skull cap, a black hooded sweatshirt, with black pants and shoes. Authorities have asked the public to help identify the male in the photos and to contact the Salem Police Tips Line at 503-588-8477 with any information about the suspect. (Koin)
3. On Wednesday, Apr. 5, Mayor Chris Hoy cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Yaquina Hall Apartments, located at the Oregon State Hospital North Campus. The hall was formerly a dormitory for state hospital nurses, but will soon open as supportive, affordable housing for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and people with serious mental illness in Salem. Mayor Hoy said that Yaquina Hall's 52 units of housing "will save lives" and "People who are not currently thriving on the streets will be able to thrive." (Statesman Journal)

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Friday, April 7

• Joanne Shaw Taylor At Elsinore Theatre (7:00 PM)
• The Winery Comedy Tour At Cubanisimo Vineyards (8:00 PM)

Saturday, April 8

• Deepwood Easter Egg Hunt At Deepwood Museum & Gardens (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Today, Apr. 7, the Salem Police Department and other partners across Marion County will participate in a parade to spread awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. The car parade will start at the pavilion at the Oregon State Fairgrounds at 8:15 a.m. and will head to the YMCA. To participate, arrive at 7:30 a.m. to decorate your vehicle and register here. (Salem Police Department via Facebook)
• Salem Saturday Market's 'Easter Scavenger Hunt' will take place on Saturday, Apr. 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! (Salem Saturday Market via Facebook)
• On Saturday, Apr. 8, the public is invited to a free event to celebrate Sakura Matsuri! Willamette University’s Japan studies student leaders will celebrate the annual Japanese celebration, whose name translates to “cherry blossom tree festival,” with traditional performances, activities, and food. The event will take place between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at Willamette’s Putnam University Center, located at 900 State Street in Salem. (Salem Reporter)

As a heads up, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Easter holiday. You won’t be receiving a newsletter this Monday, but I’ll be back soon with your next update. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!