Two men and a woman have been charged with murder after police discovered a homeless man naked, tied up with rope and severely beaten inside a vacant house in Klamath Falls. The victim later died from his injuries the following day.
According to court records, the man’s body also showed signs of torture.
Prosecutors say Jamie S. Harrington, 49, and Wesley J. Powless, 39, are charged with second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and evidence tampering in connection with the death of Kolton Esparza on Feb. 26.
Harrington’s brother, Reggie L. Townsend Jr., 34, faces additional charges, including first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, tampering with evidence and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Authorities say Townsend and Powless are from Klamath Falls, while Harrington is from Chiloquin.
Investigators have released limited details about the events leading up to the deadly assault or the motive. However, prosecutors allege Harrington drove Esparza and the two men to the Eulolona Trailhead in Klamath Falls.
Court documents state Esparza had already been assaulted before getting into the vehicle and was not allowed to leave. When he asked to get out, Harrington allegedly refused.
When the car stopped at the trailhead, Esparza reportedly tried to escape, running away along Cypress Avenue while Townsend and Powless chased him. Harrington remained near the vehicle, according to court records.
Prosecutors say the two men eventually caught Esparza at a vacant house on Cypress Avenue. Townsend allegedly struck him several times in the head with a brick or rock while Powless kicked him during the attack.
Afterward, the suspects allegedly cleaned the scene and removed evidence in a black trash bag.
Police responded to a welfare check at the vacant home shortly before 11 a.m. on Feb. 26 and found Esparza inside. He was taken to Sky Lakes Medical Center and later transferred to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, where he died on Feb. 27.
Court records state the cause of death was severe head trauma.
Harrington was arrested on Feb. 27. Police arrested Townsend the following day during a high-risk traffic stop, and Powless was taken into custody Monday during another traffic stop.
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