Fatal shooting near Cave Junction investigated as self-defense

CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. — One man is dead after a shooting near Cave Junction Thursday morning.

According to State Police, Josephine County Sheriff’s deputies responded to shooting around 3:30 Thursday morning at a home on Browntown Road near Cave Junction. When deputies arrived, they found 42-year-old Jacob Benson dead. Investigators say 47-year-old William Illingworth had shot Benson when Benson entered Illingworth’s home after a verbal argument.

The OSP Major Crimes Team was called in who are investigating the incident as a self-defense shooting.

OSP was assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County District Attorney’s Office and the OSP Forensic Lab.