HOOD RIVER — Hood River District Attorney Matt Ellis said in an April 18 media release that the Grand Jury indicted Johnathan Matthews (31), William Hardy Jr. (36), and Elizabeth Bowman (41) for crimes involving the death of Stephen Hayes (38).
All three were indicted for murder in the second degree, two counts of robbery in the first degree, theft in the first degree, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Matthews was additionally indicted on manslaughter in the first degree, reckless driving, and reckless endangering.
Matthews allegedly stole a Ford F-150 from Jacobs Sanitation in The Dalles April 11, then picked up Hardy and Bowman and drove to Hood River, Ellis said. While in Hood River, Hardy attempted to steal Hayes’ bike and put it into the bed of the stolen F-150.
Hayes partner witnessed the theft and notified Hayes, who ran out to confront the thieves. Hayes was killed after being run over by the truck. Ellis said the three defendants then spent the night at Post Canyon, using paint to paint the bike and cover the logo on the truck.
Hardy and Bowman were arrested on April 12, and Matthews on April 15.
All three co-defendants are being held in custody and scheduled at various times to be arraigned on the indictments the week of April 21.
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime. Matthews, Hardy, and Bowman are all innocent unless and until proven guilty, Ellis said.
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