Johnathan Matthews pleads guilty, receives 150-month sentence for the causing the death of Stephen Hayes

On April 11, 2025, Matthews stole a Ford F-150 from Jacobs Sanitation in The Dalles. Matthews then picked up his co-defendants, William Hardy Jr. and Elizabeth Bowman and drove to Hood River. While in Hood River, Hardy attempted to steal Stephen Hayes' bike and put it into the bed of the stolen F-150. The theft was witnessed by Hayes' partner, who notified Hayes of the ongoing theft.

Hayes ran out of their home to confront the thieves. Hayes grabbed onto the passenger side of the truck while the driver, Matthews, tried to drive away from the scene, preventing Hayes from stopping the theft. Matthews sped and swerved, dragging Hayes, throwing him to the ground, and running him over. The three defendants then drove to Post Canyon, where they stayed overnight.

Hardy and Bowman were arrested on April 12. Matthews was arrested on April 15 in The Dalles, with the bike in his possession.

In pleading guilty, Matthews admitted to recklessly causing the death of Hayes under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, using physical force upon Hayes to prevent Hayes from taking back his stolen bike, and operating the truck without the consent of the owner.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court placed Matthews on 36 months of post-prison supervision. If he violates conditions put in place by his post-prison supervisor, he could receive further sanctions in the future.

In a previous judicial settlement conference on Feb. 9, 2026, Hardy pled guilty to Robbery in the Second Degree, Theft in the First Degree, and Burglary in the Second Degree. Part of Hardy’s plea agreement was to testify against Matthews should the matter have gone to trial. Hardy is pending sentencing.

The hard work of the Major Crimes Team including detectives, officers, deputies, and troopers from the Hood River City Police, Hood River Sheriff’s Office, The Dalles City Police, Wasco County Sheriff's Office, and Oregon State Police ensured Matthews was identified, located, and arrested to be held accountable for his actions.

Our hearts go out to Stephen’s family and friends. He was truly a beloved member of the Hood River community and is dearly missed.

This case was settled by District Attorney Matt Ellis.

No additional information is available for release at this time.