Law enforcement officials in Yamhill County are investigating the deaths of three people who were found unresponsive at a rural property outside Newberg on April 20. The victims were discovered after a 911 call was placed at 4:19 p.m. reporting multiple overdose victims at a residence in the 22000 block of Northeast Dopp Road. First responders from the Gaston Rural Fire District and deputies from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office arrived and pronounced all three individuals dead at the scene.
Authorities later identified the victims as 28-year-old Timothy Dean Crisman of McMinnville, 35-year-old Roberto Refugio Hernandez of Newberg, and 56-year-old Virginia Ann Rarick of Newberg. Evidence found at the scene indicated that all three had been exposed to suspected fentanyl, and investigators recovered substances that later tested positive for the drug.
Members of the Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes and Narcotics Team and the Special Investigations Unit were called to the location to assist with processing the scene and gathering evidence. Officials said the deaths appeared consistent with fentanyl overdoses, though the investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing toxicology results and interviewing individuals connected to the victims.
Sheriff Sam Elliott emphasized the extreme danger posed by fentanyl, noting that even a few grains can be fatal and that users are often unaware they are ingesting it. He described drug overdoses as one of the most significant public safety threats in Yamhill County and urged residents to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with substance use.
County officials also highlighted available support services, including walk in access to drug screening assessments and treatment referrals through the Yamhill County Health and Human Services Deflection Program. The sheriff encouraged community members to keep naloxone on hand, recognize the signs of overdose, and call 911 immediately if they suspect someone is in danger.
The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Street Crimes and Narcotics Team. The deaths of Crisman, Hernandez, and Rarick have renewed concern about the growing impact of fentanyl in rural Oregon communities and the urgent need for prevention, education, and accessible treatment resources.
