This story has been updated with new information.

A 56-year-old Lorane man faces a charge of second-degree murder after a Wednesday shooting east of Lorane, about 20 miles southwest of Eugene.

Ralph William McSperitt was arrested without incident by Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Eugene police officers in front of the Lane County Jail in downtown Eugene at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday, July 17 and was lodged in the jail shortly thereafter.

A press release from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the 28600 block of West Hill Road at about 6 p.m. Wednesday. The deputies found a dead person on the site and began searching for the suspect, McSperitt.

The sheriff’s office identified the victim as Patricia Marie McSperitt, 56, of Lorane. Property records show that she and Ralph William McSperitt shared ownership of a home on West Hill Road. They were a married couple, Chief Deputy Tom Speldrich said Friday.

Second-degree murder typically is defined as a killing that is intentional but not premeditated or resulting from reckless conduct. A defendant charged with second-degree murder may be under the influence of an extreme emotional disturbance. 

In addition to second-degree murder, McSperitt has also been charged with unlawful use of a weapon. On Friday, July 18, McSperitt appeared from Lane County Jail before a judge, but did not enter a plea. His next court date is set for Aug. 25.

In addition to the Eugene Police Department, the Oregon State Police, the Cottage Grove Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation assisted with the case.