Transient argument over trailer leads to Murder

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KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - On Thursday, February 18th, 2021, members of the Klamath Falls Police Department responded to a report of an assault that had occurred in a vacant lot behind the Klamath Falls Gospel Mission. While responding to the scene, officers learned a victim had been stabbed and was lying in the vacant lot.    

Upon arrival, officers discovered Jason Malberg, age 43, bleeding profusely from a stab wound to his neck.  A witness to the incident was attempting life-saving measures.  Malberg was transported by ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center.  A short time later, Malberg died from his injuries at the hospital.  

A witness at the scene was able to provide KFPD Officers with a physical description of the suspect.

Bullit, a Klamath Falls Police Department K9, was deployed in search of the suspect. Bullit tracked the suspect’s movement, from the scene to a nearby trailer. 

Inside the trailer, officers found a subject, Albert Martin, matching the description given by witnesses. Martin, age 38, was detained by patrol officers without incident for investigative purposes.

Due to the nature of the incident, the Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated.  This team consists of members from the Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Klamath County Parole and Probation. 

Major Crime Team investigators determined that local transients Jason Malberg and Albert Martin were engaged in a verbal altercation over a property dispute involving a trailer. 

During the course of the altercation, Martin struck Malberg in the neck with a knife causing significant injury.  Martin was arrested and lodged at the Klamath County Jail on the following charges:

  • Murder

  • Unlawful Use of a Weapon

  • Tampering with Physical Evidence

  • Parole Violation

  • Failure to Appear (x4)

This investigation is continuing.  If you have information that can assist with this investigation, please contact the Klamath Falls Police Department at 541-883-5336, or call the anonymous tip line at 541-883-5334.