Suspected HR murderers held on $1.1 million bail; third person sought
A vigil for Stephen M. Hayes, above, will be held across from Solstice Pizza on The Hood River Waterfront from 7:30-8:30 p.m. tonight, April 14, “to show his girlfriend, family, friends, customers, and co-workers how much he is loved and missed,” according to a Solstice Facebook post. Hayes was killed on Friday, April 11 when police say he attempted to stop thieves from stealing from his vehicle and they hit him with a vehicle as they fled the scene. Photo above from Solstice Facebook Page.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., April 14, 2025 — A Hood River woman and houseless man from The Dalles remain in NORCOR jail this afternoon and charged as accomplices to murder for the hit and run death of Stephen M. Hayes, a beloved member of the Solstice Pizza crew on the HR waterfront.
William Edward Hardy Jr, 36, with general delivery in The Dalles, and Elizabeth June Bowman, 41, of 1823 Cascade Ave., #16, were arraigned in Hood River County Circuit Court this morning, April 14.
They are both charged with murder, two counts of first-degree robbery, first degree theft and theft of a pickup, according to a Hood River District Attorney Information.
A third person, Jonathan Matthews, no age, or address given, is also a person of interest and the suspected driver in the crime, according the DA’s information.
CCCNews has requested additional information from Hood River Police in regard to whether Matthews is in custody or not and will report when information is made available.
Hardy and Bowman are both being held on bail. Hardy’s was set at $1 million this morning and Bowman’s at $100,000.
Hood River Police Chief Neal Holste says 38-year-old Stephen M. Hayes was found laying in the roadway in the area of 5th and June streets at around 3:45 p.m. on Friday, April 11, according to a press release.
Intersection of 5th and June streets in Hood River.
Efforts to revive Hayes failed after emergency responders attempted life saving procedures. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Upon further investigation, officers found Hayes confronted burglars who were stealing property from his vehicle, and was mortally injured while the suspect vehicle attempted to flee the scene, according to the Hood River Police statement.
Hardy and Bowman were both charged with stealing Hayes’ Trek mountain bike and then fleeing as passengers in a white F-150 Ford pickup stolen from Jacobs Solutions, which manages the waste water treatment plant in the Port of Hood River.
Hardy stated he has been a lifelong resident of Oregon in his release interview, and the report stated no prior crimes.
Bowman has a DUI conviction in Benton County from 2017 and has had 30 failure-to-appear charges. She also had a violation for possession of less than an ounce of heroin in 2021 and was charged last summer for harassment and criminal trespass in regard to an incident at the Hood River Safeway.
The release interview states that Bowman was confused on whether she was employed. She then went on to say she did an outreach program and she worked for a government agency as an agent for revenue and does some community work.
Meanwhile, workmates of the deceased Hayes are lamenting the loss of a dear friend, according to a Facebook post on Solstice Wood Fired Pizza.
“Stephen was one the finest members of our SolCrew. We are grieving this wonderfully special human being who died tragically yesterday just trying to do the right thing,” it states. “Stephen's values, creativity, kindness, leadership, and passion for traveling & nature inspire us. Please join us at the Waterfront (picnic shelter across from Solstice) from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, for a candlelight vigil to show his girlfriend, family, friends, customers, and co-workers how much he is loved and missed. Let's show how community means showing up to grieve together and strengthens our ability to heal. Stephen's beautiful heart and spirit are guiding us. Everyone is welcome, please bring memories, songs and flowers if you have them, candles will be provided. Thank you for your support!”
The Columbia Gorge Major Crimes Team with detectives from the The Dalles Police, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police are assisting the The Hood River Police in the ongoing investigation.
People with information regarding the case are asked to call Hood River Police Detective Erin Mason at (541) 387-5257 or email him at e.mason@cityofhoodriver.org.
