Lincoln City, Oregon Man Justin R. Schmeidel Arrested in Lincoln County for Fatal Shooting

Lincoln City, Oregon Man Justin R. Schmeidel Arrested in Lincoln County for Fatal Shooting

LINCOLN CITY, OREGON — Justin R. Schmeidel, a 43-year-old transient, was arrested in Lincoln County in connection with the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Scott E. Church, who later died from his injuries.

According to the Lincoln City Police Department, Schmeidel was taken into custody early Sunday morning, May 19, during a stop on Southwest 51st Street in the Taft area. Authorities say the incident occurred earlier that morning, when Schmeidel allegedly drove by, rolled down his window, and shot Church twice with a revolver.

Schmeidel reportedly told police he knew Church and claimed he was “tired of seeing people get destroyed by meth.” He also alleged Church was “corrupting females in the area.”

Church, who had been living in the area, was transported to a hospital in Salem where he died later that week. He had a history of legal issues, including citations for failing to register as a sex offender and possession of methamphetamine.

Schmeidel was initially charged with assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Following Church’s death, a Lincoln County grand jury indicted Schmeidel on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. He was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and is currently facing charges related to the incident.