21-year-old Roseburg man charged with attempted murder after assault on elderly victim
A 21-year-old Roseburg man is facing attempted murder charges after detectives say he broke into a Myrtle Creek home and assaulted 73-year-old Stephen Balliew. The victim’s injuries did not match a reported fall, prompting a full investigation.
ROSEBURG, Ore. - A Roseburg man has been arrested for attempted murder after authorities say he violently assaulted a 73-year-old Myrtle Creek resident.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 1300 block of Gazley Road on November 9 after receiving a report of an assault. Earlier that evening, the victim, identified as 73-year-old Stephen Balliew, had been taken to Mercy Medical Center following what was initially believed to be a fall. However, medical staff determined that his injuries were not consistent with that explanation.
Due to the seriousness of the injuries, DCSO detectives launched a full investigation. Detectives later concluded that 21-year-old Heath Lethlean had forced his way into Balliew’s home and assaulted him with an object before fleeing.
On Friday, November 14, deputies located Lethlean in Roseburg and arrested him. He was booked into the Douglas County Jail on a charge of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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