Salem man charged in connection with two sexual assaults appears in court

Jonathan Muhire, 19, faces serious charges including sexual abuse and kidnapping linked to two sexual assaults that occurred in Salem, Oregon, on consecutive days in June 2025. The Salem Police Department responded to a report of the first assault on June 15, where the victim described being attacked by a dark-skinned male. Detectives identified Muhire on June 20, and he confessed to some actions, including strangling the victim and striking her. Security footage captured part of the assault, showing a woman fleeing and being pursued by Muhire. In addition to the first incident, another assault reported on June 16 involved similar circumstances and a matching suspect description.

Muhire is currently held without bail at the Marion County Correctional Facility, raising concerns about community safety. The case underscores the ongoing issues of sexual violence and the importance of swift police response. Local authorities are urged to enhance protective measures for residents in light of these troubling incidents.