Chad Behee’s Dark Legacy: Troubled Past and Tragic End in Josephine County Murder-Suicide Shocking Oregon Community

Chad Behee’s Dark Legacy: Troubled Past and Tragic End in Josephine County Murder-Suicide Shocking Oregon Community

On August 11, 2025, a small community in Josephine County, Oregon, was shattered by a suspected murder-suicide that left five people dead, including three children. Authorities identified Chad Scott Behee, 40, as the suspect found deceased at the scene along with his partner, Hannah Marie Behee, 42, and her three children. Each person had gunshot wounds, according to preliminary reports, and the 9:37 a.m. call that brought deputies to the home began a day of grief and unanswered questions for the region [1][3].

This article gathers verified facts, builds a careful timeline, honors the victims, and explores the documented past of Chad Behee. It also consolidates community response efforts, resources for families, and the latest known details that can help readers understand what happened and why it matters to public safety in Oregon.

Caption: Law enforcement presence in a wooded Oregon area reflects the intense response to the Josephine County murder-suicide [1].

Content note

This story involves violent death, including the deaths of children. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

At a glance: key facts verified by local reporting

Item	Details	Source
Date	August 11, 2025	[1]
Location	Pickett Creek area near Grants Pass, Josephine County, Oregon	[1]
Fatalities	Five total, including two adults and three children	[1][3]
Children’s ages	11, 9, and 7	[3]
Time of call	Approximately 9:37 a.m.	[1]
Cause of death	Gunshot wounds	[1][3]
Suspect identified	Chad Scott Behee, 40	[1]
Victim identified	Hannah Marie Behee, 42	[2]
Community support	Counseling for affected students and community members	[2]

Who were the people at the center of this tragedy

About Chad Scott Behee

Chad Behee was identified by authorities as the suspect in the Josephine County murder-suicide that claimed five lives, including his own [1]. Court documents reported by local media indicate that he had a troubled adolescence. Records show repeated mental health crises, including multiple suicide attempts as a teenager, and a 2002 court action terminating guardianship while he was living in a youth shelter. These details paint a complex picture of instability and unresolved trauma early in life [2].

About Hannah Marie Behee

Hannah Marie Behee, 42, worked as a human services case manager with the Oregon Department of Human Services. She is remembered by loved ones as compassionate and devoted to her children. A relative described her as a loving mother, and family members wrote that her children were full of life and promise, sentiments that captured the outpouring of grief and support in the days that followed [2][3].

Caption: A portrait of Hannah, shared publicly, symbolizes a life of service and motherhood remembered with love [2][3].

Timeline: what happened on August 11, 2025

The timeline below reflects what has been reported by local outlets. Where exact times are not available, the entry focuses on what is confirmed to be known.

Time	Event	Source
9:37 a.m.	Initial call for welfare check or assistance brings deputies to a residence in the Pickett Creek area near Grants Pass.	[1]
Late morning	Deputies discover the bodies of five people inside the home.	[1]
Late morning	Investigators note gunshot wounds for each deceased individual.	[1][3]
Afternoon	Authorities identify Chad Scott Behee as the suspect in what is believed to be a murder-suicide.	[1]
Following days	Community members and schools coordinate counseling services. Family and friends share remembrances, and a fundraising effort is publicized.	[2][3]

Caption: Map view of the investigation area near Grants Pass in Josephine County, Oregon, where the incident occurred [1].

What investigators have said so far

Authorities responding to the home found five people dead from gunshot wounds. The victims included two adults and three children, ages 11, 9, and 7. Chad Scott Behee was identified as the suspect, and the case is being investigated as a murder-suicide. Officials released the timing of the initial call, approximately 9:37 a.m., and confirmed the location as the Pickett Creek area near Grants Pass. No additional suspects have been identified at this time [1][3].

Caption: Police lights, a symbol of the urgent response that followed the devastating discovery in the Pickett Creek area [1].

Inside the home and the surrounding area

While investigators continue to piece together the chain of events, the home itself has become a focus for questions about what preceded the violence. Reports indicate a quiet rural setting in the Pickett Creek area, a place where news of a large police response is rare and deeply unsettling. The presence of multiple law enforcement vehicles and an extended investigation period underscored the gravity of the case and the methodical work required to document the scene and notify next of kin [1].

Caption: Local news bulletins spread across Oregon as the deaths were confirmed and authorities released initial details [1].

Caption: Investigators processed the scene while community members sought answers and ways to support one another [1][2].

Chad Behee’s documented past: a record of distress

Publicly accessible court records, as reported by the Rogue Valley Times, show that Chad Behee experienced severe distress in his youth. As a teenager, he reportedly attempted suicide on multiple occasions, including serious episodes that required ambulance care. In 2002, while living at a youth shelter in Corvallis, a court terminated a guardianship arrangement, a striking indicator of instability and struggle during formative years. These details, although not determinative of later actions, show a long arc of mental health challenges that extended well before adulthood [2].

This historical context does not explain or excuse the violence, and it cannot account for the decisions investigators believe were made inside the home. Rather, it helps readers understand why mental health and family support systems are a focus in the community’s response. Reporting of this background is not speculation, it is drawn from court records cited by local journalists [2].

Hannah Marie Behee: service, family, and a life remembered

Friends and relatives have described Hannah Marie Behee as devoted to public service and to her children. She worked as a human services case manager with Oregon’s Department of Human Services, a role dedicated to supporting families and vulnerable individuals. In messages shared publicly, relatives memorialized her as a loving mother. Her cousin, Michael Nadey, wrote of Hannah and the children, stating, “Hannah was a loving mother, and her children were full of life and promise” [3].

Caption: Friends shared memories and photos online, painting a portrait of Hannah’s warmth and the tight-knit bonds that defined her life [3].

Community grief and support

In the aftermath, school districts and community leaders emphasized compassionate response. A public relations official confirmed that counseling would be available for those affected by the tragedy, including students and staff connected to the family. Local counselors and crisis responders set up outreach to help residents process shock, grief, and fear, which can ripple far beyond the immediate circle of victims and relatives [2].

Caption: Across Oregon, communities face layered social challenges, from housing insecurity to public health needs, which often intersect with crisis response and local support networks.

What remains unknown

• Motive. Investigators have not publicly established a definitive motive for the killings [1][2].
• Sequence of events inside the home. The order and timing of gunshots have not been disclosed [1].
• Any prior law enforcement contacts related to domestic conflict. Public reporting has not documented prior domestic violence calls specific to this case. Absence of public reporting does not confirm absence of incidents [1][2].

It is essential to distinguish between verified facts and speculation. This article only includes details attributed to local reporting and court records. Any updates from investigators or the medical examiner may refine the above.

Known risk factors and prevention, in general terms

Criminology and public health literature often highlight a convergence of risks in family annihilation and murder-suicide cases. The risk picture can include prior mental health crises, access to firearms, sudden stressors like relationship changes or financial strain, and a history of domestic conflict. None of these factors alone predicts violence, and most people living with mental health challenges never harm others. Still, when multiple risks stack together, timely intervention, safe storage of weapons, and supportive services can reduce danger. Because this case involves minors, the priority for professionals and community members is grief care now, followed by constructive conversations about prevention that are grounded in evidence and compassion.

How the story is being told: ethics and care for victims

Coverage of violent death must respect the dignity of victims and survivors. Journalists and analysts commonly follow guidance that discourages sensational detail and encourages centering victims, carefully sourcing facts, and offering resources to readers in distress. This article aims to follow that approach, with limited descriptions of the scene, verified facts only, and sustained attention to community support.

Short profiles at a glance

Name	Age	Role	Notes
Chad Scott Behee	40	Suspect, deceased	Identified by officials as the suspect in a murder-suicide [1]
Hannah Marie Behee	42	Victim, partner of suspect	Human services case manager with Oregon DHS [2]
Child	11	Victim	Ages of the children reported by media [3]
Child	9	Victim
Child	7	Victim

Photo reflections and captions

Caption: Community memorial imagery shared online honored a beloved mother and three children, described as bright, joyful, and endlessly loved [3].

Caption: Friends recalled Hannah’s humor and dedication to her family, sharing moments that reveal the person behind the headlines [3].

Community questions: what we know and what to watch for

• Official cause and manner of death. The medical examiner’s determinations will formalize what preliminary reports described as deaths by gunshot wounds in a suspected murder-suicide [1][3].
• Any protective orders or prior reports. If such records exist, they could clarify warning signs. None have been publicly reported to date [1][2].
• Timeline precision. Autopsy and forensic ballistics can refine the sequence of events. Those details often take weeks to conclude.

Resources for families, friends, and neighbors

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, available 24/7 in the United States.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788.
• Local schools and community centers in Josephine County: counseling and crisis response were initiated following the incident, according to local reporting [2].

Seeking help is a sign of strength. Parents and caregivers can reach out to school counselors, primary care providers, or local nonprofits for short-term support and referrals. Community members who are not directly affected can still benefit from grief resources or group counseling, especially if they are experiencing secondary trauma from news coverage.

Related coverage and context

Sadly, Oregon and the nation have seen other cases of family violence with devastating results. For readers seeking broader context about prevention and community response, see related reporting that explores patterns, risk factors, and lessons learned:

• Alabama Dad Kills Wife and Two Young Kids in Horrific Murder-Suicide: Community Mourns
• Epic Hollywood Celebrity Relationships: Timelines, Quotes, Lessons, and FAQs (2025)

Editorial approach, sourcing, and corrections

How we reported this

This article consolidates facts from verified local reporting and public records. We rely on on-the-record sources for core details, including time of the call, location, identification of the suspect, the ages of the children, and quotes from family memorials and official statements. Where reporting is incomplete, we clearly indicate that information remains unknown.

E-E-A-T commitments

• Experience: We prioritize survivor-centered reporting and trauma-informed language.
• Expertise: We review public records and cite local outlets to ensure accuracy.
• Authoritativeness: We link directly to primary or first-hand local sources and quote attributed statements.
• Trustworthiness: We distinguish between confirmed facts and open questions. We avoid speculation.

Corrections and updates

If authorities release new facts that change our understanding of the timeline or identities, we will update this article with clear notes. Readers can contact our editorial team with documented corrections or additional context.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was identified as the suspect in the Josephine County case?

Authorities identified Chad Scott Behee, 40, as the suspect in a murder-suicide that left five people dead, including three children and his partner, Hannah Marie Behee [1].

When did the incident occur?

The response began with a call at approximately 9:37 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, drawing deputies to a home in the Pickett Creek area near Grants Pass, Oregon [1].

What is known about the victims?

Five people were found deceased, including two adults and three children. The children were reported to be ages 11, 9, and 7. Each person had gunshot wounds, according to local reporting [1][3].

What was Hannah Marie Behee’s background?

Hannah worked as a human services case manager with the Oregon Department of Human Services. Family members and community posts described her as a loving mother and public servant [2][3].

What is known about Chad Behee’s past?

Local reporting cites court records that show a troubled adolescence, including multiple suicide attempts, and a 2002 termination of guardianship while he resided in a youth shelter. These records underscore a history of significant distress in his youth [2].

Is there a confirmed motive?

As of the latest reporting, investigators have not publicly stated a definitive motive for the killings [1][2].

Are there counseling resources for the community?

Yes. A public relations official indicated that counseling would be provided to community members affected by the tragedy, including those in local schools [2].

What should I do if I am struggling after reading about this case?

Call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you fear immediate harm, call 911. If domestic violence is a concern, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

Where can I follow official updates?

Check local outlets that have covered this case and monitor updates from law enforcement in Josephine County. This article will be updated as reliable new information becomes available [1][2][3].

How can I support the affected families and community?

Community members have organized fundraising and memorial efforts, and local schools have coordinated counseling. Consider donating to verified campaigns or volunteering with local support organizations that assist families in crisis [2][3].

References

1. [1] KCBY (URL: https://kcby.com/news/local/five-dead-in-josephine-county-murder-suicide-police-identify-man-as-suspect-in-killings) – “Five people found dead in Josephine County, suspect identified, 9:37 a.m. call, Pickett Creek area, gunshot wounds.”
2. [2] Rogue Valley Times (URL: https://www.roguevalleytimes.com) – “Court records on teen suicide attempts, 2002 guardianship termination while living in a youth shelter, Hannah’s DHS role, counseling support for community.”
3. [3] Yahoo News (URL: https://news.yahoo.com) – “Children’s ages 11, 9, and 7, family remembrance quoting Michael Nadey, GoFundMe details.”