Salem teen arrested in May homicide of man found dead along I-5

Oregon State Police have arrested a teenager who is charged with second-degree murder in the death of a Salem man whose body was found in May along the shoulder of Interstate 5 in Clackamas County.

Police found the body of Oscar Lizardo Chaidez, 42, on May 29 on the shoulder of southbound I-5 near Exit 282 south of Wilsonville.

Initial reports indicated Chaidez may have been struck by a vehicle, but investigators determined he was the victim of a homicide.

A 17-year-old Salem resident was taken into custody July 18 on charges of second-degree murder and carrying/use of a dangerous weapon, according to a Clackamas County spokesperson. Investigators have not released a motive. The teen's next court date is July 31.

Chaidez had three sons and was a DJ who used the name DJ Ozroc.

At the time of his death, Chaidez was serving 36 months probation after pleading guilty in June 2023 to strangling a juvenile relative in the presence of another juvenile relative. Chaidez also had pleaded guilty to harassing his wife and assaulting another juvenile relative, for which he served 60 days in jail.

Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. Funk can be reached atifunk@salem.gannett.com or on X at @isabeldfunk