Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend August 15, 2006 Sitting in front of her Butte Falls home, Kelli Lunsford talks on the phone about funeral arrangements for her son, Mark Lunsford, who was killed Saturday night in downtown Medford. (Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell) Mourning a son Butte Falls man stabbed to death was family man, say mom, aunt By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Grief overwhelmed Kelli Lunsford Monday at her Butte Falls home as family and friends comforted her over the loss of her son, Mark Edwin Lunsford, who was stabbed to death in downtown Medford early Sunday morning. "Our family is pretty torn up right now," Lunsford said. The last time she saw her 23-year-old son was Saturday. "It was before I went to work," she said. "I told him I loved him. I'm just glad I told him before I left." As she began discussing funeral arrangements over the phone, she learned they'd have to be postponed until an autopsy is completed this week. Medford police are still piecing the investigation together, but they arrested Luis Alberto Salas-Juarez five minutes after the stabbing and charged him with murder. They are still looking for another person who was with Salas-Juarez and fled the scene, a man described as white and in his mid-20s. Advertisement Salas-Juarez could be indicted as early as today by a grand jury. According to court records, Salas-Juarez was charged with menacing and convicted of harassment in Deschutes County in June. The attack took place near Bartlett Street and East Main Street by Theater Alley. Mark Lunsford came to Medford Saturday to attend a friend's birthday party. Afterward, Lunsford and several friends, including his younger brother, Tommy, were confronted by Salas-Juarez, said Kelli Lunsford. "Tommy hasn't said much," she said. "He just felt horrible because he couldn't stop it." His mother said she still does not know all the details of the attack. But she did say that some of her son's friends stayed with him after the stabbing, while others attempted to chase Salas-Juarez. One of the friends received injuries to his hand during the attack, she said. A motorist passing by took Mark Lunsford to the hospital, where he apparently walked in on his own accord, she said. "I don't know who took him to the hospital, but that's the person I'd like to thank," said Kelli Lunsford. She received a call from Tommy after the stabbing, but said, "By the time I got down there it was too late. He was already dead." Lt. Tim George of the Medford police said the Good Samaritan motorist has been identified, but his name hasn't been released yet because the investigation is ongoing. George said police are convinced that Salas-Juarez stabbed Lunsford, but they are still looking for another man who was with him. Detectives are reviewing surveillance tapes from nearby bars in an attempt to determine the second man's identity. "That person is either an active participant, or he had a ringside seat because he was right there with him," said George. During the arrest of Salas-Juarez, George said there were a number of people who were excited and yelling. With so many witnesses, the murder weapon still missing and a suspect still at large, Medford police have a total of eight detectives on the case, including some from the Oregon State Police and Central Point police. A search and rescue team was called in Monday to look for the knife, which had not been found as of late Monday. Although Mark Lunsford's middle name is listed as Edward on his Social Security card, his mother said his actual middle name is Edwin. Kelli Lunsford said the tragedy comes just as her son was getting his life back together after working through a divorce from Alec Smith, his high school sweetheart. They had a son together, Tristen Shawn-William Lunsford, who is now 11„2 years old. Despite his marital difficulties, she said, "I know he loved his wife, and he loved his son." His mother said her son didn't like strangers, but was extremely close to his family. "He would do whatever he could for anyone," his mother said. His aunt, Kerri Perry, said, "He was a wonderful person. He loved life. He loved his family and friends." Both Mark and Tommy Lunsford played football for Butte Falls in high school. Their father, Thomas Mark Lunsford, died in 1999 at the age of 40 from heart problems. Kelli Lunsford said she was heartened at having her family around her, but would often break into tears at the thought of her son. "I can only take one day at a time," said Lunsford. "That's all I can take." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or [email protected] . Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews