DEPOE BAY – A Depoe Bay motel worker charged with killing his boss had been fighting with him over job issues, told others that he was going to kill him and bought a handgun before fatally shooting Sarabjit Singh three times Thursday, according to a police probable cause affidavit filed in Lincoln County circuit court.
Brennon M. Neal is charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, assault and attempting to elude police.
The affidavit by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Detective Anthony Bettencourt said another Four Winds Inn employee saw Neal, 29, and Singh, 44, arguing and pushing each other in the motel office about 10:17 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. The employee told detectives he saw Neal pull a handgun and shoot Singh twice before the gun jammed. The witness said Neal cleared the jam and shot Singh a third time as the motel owner tried to get out of the office.
The employee stepped outside the office to call police and when he returned saw Neal “shoving papers into Singh’s mouth,” the affidavit said.
The detective said the witness said Neal took money from the cash register, returned to the motel room where he lived with his girlfriend, and told her he killed Singh after being fired.
Neal then led police from several agencies on a 35-mile chase north out of Depoe Bay, onto Highway 229 and then east onto U.S. Highway 20 before he was finally stopped near the Lincoln-Benton county line.
He is being held without bail in the Lincoln County jail, has been appointed an attorney from the state public defender’s office and his next hearing is Friday.
To the Singh Family: We are very sorry about the loss of your loved one, Sarabit. Both of us were shocked to learn such a horrific crime was committed, especially in the small town of Depoe Bay. Running a small business during these times is challenging enough. But to unnecessarily lose a hard working family member in such a manner is extremely unsettling. And very unOregonian. Our thoughts are with you as you struggle to recover from this horrific event. Best, Suzan and Kanwal Sachdeva (Lincoln Beach)
Thank you so much for your kind words. The mean the world to us in this most difficult times!
I am so sorry for your loss. I know the guy who committed this horrible crime. God has a new angel in heaven. Sending you and your family so much love and blessings to you all. God bless you and your loved ones. Sending you much love from Lebanon, Oregon
To the Singh family: The Depoe Bay community grieves your loss and is horrified about what happened. Please know this community values the Four Winds Inn and your contribution to our little city. I am grateful local police were able to catch the alleged perpetrator so quickly, and that they pursued him for 35 miles. We live in a very safe community and yet, violence still occurs. The next few months will be a blur, but please call on your neighbors, friends, associates to help support your family during this awful time.