Medford Man Sentenced to 50 Months for Shooting at Car Over Cash Stolen During Party

MEDFORD, Ore. — Two days after a dispute over money allegedly stolen at an Ashland party on May 4 last year, 21-year-old Elijah Zeigler fired multiple shots at the vehicle of two men in northeast Medford, leading to a conviction on attempted assault and other charges. Zeigler was sentenced to  50 months in prison.

Court records indicate that on May 4, 2024, Zeigler attended a party in Ashland—also attended by 25-year-old Blake Wheeler. Ziegler suspected Wheeler stole about $600 from his vehicle at the party.

The next day, Zeigler posted a picture on social media showing what appeared to be the stolen money and a handgun.

Wheeler, with his 20-year-old brother Zane Wheeler and friends, arranged to meet Zeigler near Cedar Links Park in northeast Medford where, according to Wheeler, Zeigler pointed a shotgun at him.

After reporting the incident to the Medford Police Department (MPD), Zeigler could not be found.

On May 6, Wheeler spotted an SUV resembling Zeigler’s as he was driving in the same area and turned his vehicle around to confirm the other vehicle’s identity.

Wheeler saw Zeigler exit the SUV before firing multiple shots at his vehicle and driving off. Although no injuries were reported, Wheeler again contacted MPD, who processed the scene, finding two spent shell casings and two bullet holes in Mr. Wheeler’s vehicle. Zeigler turned himself into MPD the next day.

During plea negotiations with the District Attorney’s office, who had considered Zeigler’s lack of prior criminal history, completion of treatment since the incident, and agreement to pay restitution to both victims, the victims agreed with the proposed resolution.

Zeigler pleaded guilty to Attempted Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Judge Markiewicz imposed the negotiated sentence of 50 months at the Oregon Department of Corrections and three years post-prison supervision.