Josephine County, Oregon (Grants Pass, OR) – On December 1, 2022, a senior citizen died and another sustained a fatal injury during a bar fight at Wonder Bur Lounge and Cafe, 116 S.W. H. St., in Grants Pass, OR.
Authorities say a bar fight resulted in the death of one senior citizen and fatal injuries to another caused by an off-duty bartender now accused of homicide and Measure 11 assault charges. Todd Andrew Heckers, 40-year-old, of Grants Pass, faces charges of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault, accusing him of killing Claude Alfred Hayes, 75-year-old, and causing “serious physical injury” to Harmon Leon Poole, 75-year-old during an assault, both identified by the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.
The conflict reportedly started when Heckers encountered Hayes and Poole, based on an affidavit made by Grants Pass police in Heckers’ case.
A brawl followed, involving Heckers, Hayes, Poole, and a 63-year-old man whose name has not yet been disclosed, based on an affidavit filed and a news report issued by authorities. Authorities say the fight was recorded on surveillance video. Heckers escaped by the time authorities arrived, while Hayes was transferred to an area hospital where he later surrendered to fatal injuries. Poole sustained facial lacerations and broken ribs. Grants Pass Police are on the case and have requested witnesses to cooperate, contact Detective Robert Shaw at 541-450-6260 or reference case number 22-52393.
Hecker’s first court appearance was Monday afternoon in the Circuit Court and Josephine County Jail revealed him as an inmate Monday afternoon.
