Statement from Hood River Co DA Matt Ellis
April 18, 2025
(HOOD RIVER, Ore.) – Today, Hood River District Attorney Matt Ellis announced that the Grand Jury indicted Johnathan Matthews (31), William Hardy, Jr. (36), and Elizabeth Bowman (41) for crimes involving the death of Stephen Hayes (38). All three defendants were indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Robbery in the First Degree, Theft in the First Degree, and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. In addition, Matthews was also indicted on Manslaughter in the First Degree, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Endangering.
On April 11, 2024, Matthews stole a Ford F-150 from Jacobs Sanitation in The Dalles. Matthews then picked up Hardy and Bowman and drove to Hood River. While in Hood River, Hardy attempted to steal Stephen’s bike and put it into the bed of the stolen F-150. The theft was witnessed by Stephen’s partner, who notified Stephen of the ongoing theft. Stephen ran out of their home to confront the thieves. Stephen grabbed onto the passenger side of the truck while the driver, Matthews, tried to drive away from the scene, preventing Stephen from stopping the theft. Matthew sped and swerved, dragging Stephen, throwing him to the ground, and running him over. The three defendants then drove to Post Canyon, where they stayed overnight, using marking paint to paint the bike and cover the James Sanitation logo on the truck. Hardy and Bowman were arrested on April 12. Matthews was arrested on April 15.
All three co-defendants are being held in custody and scheduled at various times to be arraigned on the indictments the week of April 21.
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime. Matthews, Hardy, and Bowman are all innocent unless and until proven guilty.
No additional information is available for release at this time.
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