Benjamin Foster - Oregon man wanted for kidnapping a woman, killed two men during manhunt then shot himself

Officials revealed during a press conference on Wednesday that Oregon man, Benjamin Foster, who was suspected of kidnapping a woman last week and killing two men while evading police, died Tuesday night after shooting himself during a confrontation with authorities. Grants Pass Police Chief Warren Hensman stated, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims … and everyone impacted by these events."

Details about the case

According to a news release, Grants Pass police officers found a female victim who had been "bound and severely beaten into unconsciousness" about 7 o'clock on Jan. 24, which sparked a week-long manhunt. Additionally, authorities swiftly sought after 36-year-old Benjamin Foster and described him as armed and dangerous. The next day, they obtained arrest warrants for kidnapping, assault, and attempted murder. Moreover, the unnamed woman's health is critical yet stable. In addition, she was identified as being in a "former domestic relationship" with Foster during the press conference on Wednesday. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="992"] Image credit: ABC News[/caption] Foster was at the house on Thursday, according to a tip, but after a brief confrontation, he managed to escape, revealed Hensman. Therefore, they launched a tip line and formed a task team right away. Also read: Pa. Police Described The Deaths Of Three Family Members Who Engaged In A Murder-Suicide Pact As “Tragedy” On another note, Foster was allegedly using dating apps at the time "to contact unsuspecting individuals who may be lured into assisting with the suspect's escape or potentially as additional victims," according to police reports. Foster "was not actively recruiting," Hensman said at the press conference on Wednesday but needed to let the public know that there was potential.

More details

According to officials, investigators started knocking on doors to check on people's well-being after receiving a report in Sunny Valley, Oregon, some 20 miles north of Grants Pass, on Monday. Oregon State Police Capt. Kyle Kennedy stated, "Through an open window, we observed a scene of a crime. It's a brutal scene." Roommates Richard Barron Jr. and Donald Griffith were discovered dead in their home. According to authorities, they were killed by blunt force trauma. In addition, Kennedy said that during the investigation, police determined Foster was responsible for their deaths and took belongings from the pair's home, including a dog.   [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image credit: Fox News[/caption] Foster was picked up by a taxi around 7:10 a.m. on Tuesday and dropped off at a residence in Grants Pass. The taxi driver called the police and made them aware, according to the police chief. He was found by investigators at the residence where he was hiding under his house. Lastly, according to Hensman, "At the end, Foster took his own life with a single shot from a .45-caliber weapon. The community is safe."