Lincoln County Major Crimes Unit Looking into Fatal Early-Morning Event in Newport

 NEWPORT, Ore. — The Major Crime Team from Lincoln County is still looking into a violent event that took place during the early hours of Friday, January 2, 2026, in the 1500 block of NW Grove Street.

Authorities reported that officers from the Newport Police responded to a disturbance around 12:56 a.m. When they arrived, they discovered one adult male dead from a gunshot and another adult male with several stab wounds.

The deceased was recognized as Matthew Wonser, 42, who was a resident of Newport. Investigators found that Wonser had been shot by the home’s owner after he repeatedly stabbed Shawn Knuckey, 33, also from Newport, on the front porch. Wonser succumbed to a single gunshot wound at the location.

Knuckey was flown by air ambulance to a hospital in the Portland vicinity, where he remains in critical condition due to multiple stab injuries. Investigators ascertained that Wonser and Knuckey were strangers, indicating that the assault on Knuckey seemed to be unprovoked.

During their investigation, officers found identification belonging to Robert Peddycoart, 58, of Newport, in Wonser's belongings. A welfare check was performed at a local motel where Peddycoart had been residing. After not receiving any answer, officers entered the room based on the Community Caretaking Doctrine and discovered Peddycoart’s lifeless body. A follow-up search warrant showed that Peddycoart had also endured several stab wounds. Investigators verified that Wonser and Peddycoart were acquaintances.

Officials have indicated that there is no ongoing risk to the public, as the incidents seem to be distinct with no suspects still at large. The investigation is currently active and ongoing. Once it is concluded, the findings will be sent to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office for assessment. No arrests have yet been made, and no charges are currently pending.

The Major Crime Team from Lincoln County consists of detectives from the Newport Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, with auxiliary support from the Oregon State Police Crime Lab.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to Sgt. Mike Leake of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348, the Newport Police Tip Line at 541-574-5455, or provide a tip via Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.