News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office arrests suspect in stabbing murder of stepson

Posted: Aug. 17-18, 2008

Photos:
Steven James Petersen
Michael Joshua Chapman

On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 at 7:13 p.m., Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a reported murder at the residential address of 9326 SE Fuller Road, Happy Valley.

Deputies investigated and determined that Michael Joshua Chapman, 34, was allegedly killed by his stepfather Steven James Petersen, 50, during a violent domestic disturbance at this residential address. Investigators cordoned off the immediate area surrounding the crime scene and attempted to locate the murder suspect, Petersen, who fled the scene of the crime on foot.

Patrol deputies moved methodically cleared the residence, outbuildings and surrounding area in an effort to locate Steven Petersen. Sheriff's Office canines, accompanied by Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT) members, also swarmed the area.

Sheriff's Office Detectives and the Clackamas County Deputy Medical Examiner responded to the scene to conduct a crime-scene investigation. An Oregon City Police Chaplain also responded to attend to the emotional needs of family members. A member of the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) was also present to help console family members.

A temporary murder arrest warrant was entered into the law-enforcement data system for Steven James Petersen's arrest.

Friends of the victim's family responded to the Fuller Road residence at approximately 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon (Aug. 17) to begin cleaning its interior and exterior. Upon arrival, these friends found the residence secured in an odd fashion, and were concerned someone, possibly an intruder, was inside the home.

Sheriff's Office Patrol deputies responded to the residence and once again secured the perimeter of this same home -- which they had done fewer than 12 hours earlier.

After detecting some noise and motion inside this residence, the Sheriff's Office SWAT team was placed on alert. A skilled negotiator on scene was directed to begin efforts to communicate with any unknown occupant inside the residence.

Shortly after this communication effort was initiated, Steven James Petersen announced from inside the residence he was going to comply with demands to surrender. At 5:17 p.m., he exited his residence and gave himself up peacefully to deputies on the scene.

Petersen was taken into custody and transported to and lodged at Clackamas County Jail. Petersen is being held without bail for the Measure 11 crime of murder.

A forensic autopsy has been performed on Michael Joshua Chapman's body by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office. The autopsy reveals that Michael Joshua Chapman died at the scene of the crime as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Arraignment on this matter is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18 in the Clackamas County Circuit Court in Oregon City.

Anyone with information about the suspect and this ongoing criminal investigation is encouraged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office confidential Tip Line at 503-723-4949. Please reference Case # 08-28095.

[END]

Jim Strovink, Detective
Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office