University senior Eric Dylan Jones, 25, was found dead near his parents’ home in Salem on March 21 in what has been ruled a suicide. The cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the head, according to police.
Jones, an anthropology major focusing on biological anthropology, was found by his family about 8 a.m. in a field near their house, where Lt. Bill Kohlmeyer of the Salem Police Department said Jones often went to think and be alone. Kohlmeyer said the time of death was uncertain but believed to be either late the previous night or early that morning.
Jones’ mother and stepfather did not wish to speak to the press. The family held a service March 24 in Salem.
Jones was wanted for questioning by the Eugene Police Department in the March 1 beating of 19-year-old freshman Devan Long, who sustained multiple facial injuries and underwent surgery to repair damage. EPD had identified Jones as the primary aggressor among several individuals present at the time of the incident.
EPD spokeswoman Pam Olshanski confirmed the report of Jones’ death and said his case has been dropped.
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