Community Calendar 
Alerts 
Teen Death Investigation
A 15 year old boy from Klamath Falls is behind bars tonight, accused of shooting and killing a teen in Keno on Sunday.
The victim has been identified as 15 year old Mason Tucker, a sophomore at Henley High School.
"A very somber mood here at Henley High today." Noted Principal Mark Risen. "With losing a student, and having another student involved in the situation."
That other student is 15 year old Carson McDowell, who is accused of firing the shot that killed Tucker.
The shooting took place at Tucker's home just south of Keno late Sunday morning.
"The preliminary investigation indicates that it was not an accident." Stated Klamath County Deputy District Attorney Sharon Forster. "And as a result of that, he was arraigned in Klamath County District Court for manslaughter in the first degree."
Principal Risen noted that students and teachers at Henley High School were told of Tucker's death this morning.
"We do have professional counselors on site today, we do have a safe room for kids to attend, where if they feel as if they want to grieve, or their emotions are just getting the better of them."
Carson McDowell has no prior criminal history, and was reportedly close friends with Mason Tucker.
Tucker often wore camouflage clothing to Henley...and Principal Risen notes that many students are planning to wear camo clothing this Friday in his honor.
"Very nice young man. We'll be celebrating him later this week, with a 'camo day' here at school, kind of in memorial to Mason."
KOTI spoke with Mason's mother on the phone, and she elected not to be on camera. However, she did want to state that her son Mason was a 'leader'. She's heartbroken. She stated that Mason was filled with compassion, was a respectful, and loved the outdoors.
First degree manslaughter is a measure 11 offense, carrying a mandatory 10 year prison sentence.
Information from the case is scheduled to go before a grand jury on Thursday.
About the Author
Lyle Ahrens
KOTI-TV NBC2 reporter Lyle Ahrens moved from Nebraska to Klamath Falls in the late 1970's. He instantly fell in love with the mountains, the trees and the rivers, and never once regretted the move.
Lyle's job history is quite colorful. He’s managed a pizza parlor; he’s been a bartender, and a “kiwifruit grader” at an organic orchard in New Zealand. A Klamath Falls radio station hired Lyle in the mid 90's as a news writer and commercial producer. In 2004, Lyle joined the KOTI/KOBI news operation.
Lyle notes with pride that he has a big responsibility presenting the Klamath Basin to a wide and varied audience. "The on-going water crisis has underscored the fact that the people and the issues in the Klamath Basin are every bit as diverse as the terrain. Winning and keeping the trust of the viewers, as well as the newsmakers, is something I strive for with each story".
When he's not busy reporting the news, Lyle enjoys astronomy, playing guitar, fixing old radios and listening to anything by Sheryl Crow.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(541) 779-5555
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
125 South Fir Street
Medford, OR 97501
Comments (5)
Carson is 100% innocent. Him and Mason were best friends... R.I.P Mason.. you'll be missed bud
How was it not an accident? What proof do you have that it wasn't?! I think Carson McDowell has gone threw enough losing his best friend.. I know him personally and I don't think he did it. I want to hear your proof.
This is absolutly rediclious. Carson is innocent. He would never do something like this on purpose. and for him to be behind bars is insaine. He is 15 years old. If he is found guilty, which i highly doubt, his life is over. Accidents happen. This was his best friend.
Without knowing, I first heard of this story. My neighbors daughter had a post on her FB that mentioned two boys. Mason Tucker and Carson McDowell. She was offering prayers and said many nice things about both Mason and Carson. Not mentioning to much, all I could do was wonder. And say a prayer with her. Then On the news I got the story. I went back to her page and clicked on the name of both boys, their pages both not completly locked. I read that there is shock. Friends are shocked at what is being said. The boys were close. They share the same cover photo on their FB pages. I also found out that the victims mother, may work at my childrens school and my oldest daughter came home talking about what she has heard. She attends Henley Middle School. I do not know the families involved, but my heart breaks for them. They are neighbors. The home, mabye about 5 or 10 miles away and both schools touched by this tragedy. Mason and Carson are both so young and I cant imagine what their families are going through. I have lived in Klamath Falls for only 3 years and I hope to never leave. Why, this community is amazing. I hope everyone comes together to support and honor both boys involved. They are strangers but I feel like I would really like to know them both. It is a cold crisp beautiful Fall morning but teir is a sadness in the air..
mason was the best kind of freind you could ask for. i love you mason you will always be in my heart and definitely on my mind. mhuuuaaa. -kaytee