Oen Nicholson, 34, Pleads Guilty Except for Insanity in 2021 Quadruple Murder and Kidnapping - Sentenced to Life



COQUILLE, Ore. – On April 14, 2025, Oen Evans Nicholson, age 34, entered a plea deal, resulting in a guilty except for insanity verdict on four counts of first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping in the first degree, and two counts of misdemeanor recklessly endangering another person, according to court records.

Nicholson was sentenced to life at the Oregon State Hospital under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) for life.

Past news on Nicholson:

On June 18th, 2021, Nicholson murdered his father, Charles Nicholson, at an RV campground near the Mill Casino in North Bend. Court documents state he stole his father’s truck, struck and killed Anthony and Linda Oyster, and shot and killed Jennifer Davidson at the Herbal Choices marijuana dispensary. He then kidnapped Laura Johnson from the Gateway Mall parking lot in Springfield, forcing her to drive him to Wisconsin, where she convinced him to surrender to authorities.

In 2022, Nicholson sought to dismiss his public defenders and represent himself. The Coos County District Attorney ordered hearings to assess his competency, leading to mental health evaluations and his commitment to the Oregon State Hospital in October 2022. In 2023, the D.A. challenged findings that Nicholson was unable to assist in his defense, requesting involuntary medication to restore his competency.

By November 2023, Nicholson was deemed mentally fit to stand trial, provided he continued his medication. The D.A. cited Nicholson’s improved behavior, such as eating food he previously believed was poisoned, and three letters he wrote to the court requesting self-representation, as evidence of his understanding of the legal process and mental competency.

Information from court records, Coos County District Attorney's Office, and official law enforcement press releases

Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest crime watch group in Lane County, Lane County Mugshots Uncensored, which currently has over 86,400 members. Support for local journalism is essential, and donations can be made via Venmo to @Michael-Weber-379 (last four digits of phone number: 0825).

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