GOLD HILL, Ore. — A man has been arrested following a tragic homicide that occurred Thursday morning near Interstate 5 in rural Gold Hill. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) confirmed that 34-year-old Michael Lloyd Balestra Jr. of Gold Hill has been taken into custody in connection with the killing of 47-year-old Steven Jason Worthington of Shady Cove.
According to investigators, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) received multiple 911 calls around 8:01 a.m. reporting a severely injured man attempting to flag down vehicles along I-5 southbound near mile marker 42.5. Deputies and paramedics from Rogue River Fire District 1 rushed to the scene and performed life-saving measures. Sadly, Worthington was pronounced dead at 8:36 a.m.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Steven Worthington’s family and friends during this heartbreaking time,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a public statement.
Shortly after the incident, investigators from the Oregon State Police, Rogue River Police Department, and the Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU) joined the search for the suspect and his vehicle. Around 10:00 a.m., ECSO dispatchers received a report of a suspicious person in the 1000 block of Galls Creek Road. Deputies quickly responded and identified the man as the suspected killer.
Balestra was arrested without further incident and booked into the Jackson County Jail on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree theft, unlawful use of a weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and felon in possession of a firearm.
During the investigation, southbound traffic on I-5 was reduced to one lane near the scene, and nearby roads were temporarily closed. The Oregon State Police Crime Lab assisted in collecting forensic evidence.
Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public as the investigation continues. The MADIU, which includes detectives from multiple local and state agencies, is overseeing the case. Further updates will be released as the investigation develops.