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14 Years Later: Ashland Grocery Worker Found Nearly Decapitated on Bike Path — Case Still Unsolved

David Grubbs, 23, was found nearly decapitated on an Ashland bike path on Nov. 19, 2011, after leaving his shift at Shop 'n' Kart. Investigators say robbery was unlikely because his wallet and beer remained with him, and the attack appears random. Hundreds of interviews and an FBI consultation have produced no arrests, though a $21,000 reward remains active. Ashland Police Chief Tighe O'Meara says the case is still open and urges anyone with information to contact authorities.

08:17 AM, 11/27/2025Society
14 Years Later: Ashland Grocery Worker Found Nearly Decapitated on Bike Path — Case Still Unsolved

On Nov. 19, 2011, 23-year-old David Grubbs was found dead on a popular bike path in Ashland, Oregon, shortly after finishing his shift at Shop 'n' Kart. Investigators say he had been struck multiple times in the head and neck with a 'large sharp-edged object', injuries that left him nearly decapitated.

Ashland Police Chief Tighe O'Meara, who was the patrol supervisor the night of the attack, said the scene showed no sign of robbery: Grubbs's wallet and the beer he had purchased were still with him, suggesting the assault may have been random.

O'Meara described the killing as particularly disturbing for the small city and said the apparent randomness amplified community concern.

The attack occurred along a well-used trail near an elementary school and shocked residents of the town of about 21,000. Snow and darkness that evening may have enabled an assailant to approach undetected, O'Meara recalled.

Despite an intensive investigation, hundreds of interviews and a consultation with the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, no arrests have ever been made. Detectives also encountered people who falsely boasted about the crime, but those claims proved unreliable.

Authorities continue to offer a $21,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. O'Meara emphasized that the investigation remains open and active and urged anyone with information to come forward. He also noted the heavy burden on anyone who may be holding key information, and encouraged anonymous tips to help bring closure to the family and community.

If you have information about this case, contact the Ashland Police Department at (541) 488-2211 or email tipline@ashland.or.us. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

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