From First Love to Felony: What Happened to Russell Jones in the Gavin MacFarlane Case?
A shocking crime upset a quiet life in Medford, Oregon, in 2017 when a father went missing and his daughter, her boyfriend, and a friend were arrested. The investigation centered on Russell Jones, who transitioned from an accomplice to a star witness. This article examines the situation in the case, Russell’s uncharacteristic cooperation, and the potential impact of his testimony.
It looks at how the crime reflects on troubled young relationships, the importance of honesty during interrogations, and the moral dilemmas at play. With details about legal terminology and the criminal justice system, this article offers an overview of a case that remains captivating.
The Disappearance That Sparked A Murder Investigation
Police responded in October 2017 to a missing persons report regarding Aaron Friar and his daughter, Ellie. Within seconds, they had found Ellie, her boyfriend Gavin MacFarlane, and his friend Russell Jones all strolling down a street in Medford, Oregon.
They were arrested after blood evidence was discovered at Aaron’s residence. Ellie’s younger sister had told police that Gavin had been in the backyard and had said their father disapproved of Ellie’s relationship.
When investigators split the trio up, they decided to interrogate Russell Jones first. Officers thought he would be the one to break. They were right. While being questioned, Jones asked for a cigarette — a request that would prove to be a game-changer.
The detective nodded, the moment of casualness leading to a confession. Jones didn’t just divulge details; he also volunteered to take the police to the crime scene. Although he denied killing Aaron, he confessed to helping to dispose of his body. His cooperation not only changed the course of the case but also provided authorities with the evidence they needed.
How A Cigarette Helped Crack The Case
On the morning after Aaron Friar’s disappearance, Jones took detectives to a lonely stretch of highway about 20 miles away from the victim’s home. There, wrapped in a tarp and blanket, was Aaron’s body.
Jones also took officers to a nearby tree where a bat—allegedly the murder weapon—had been hidden. He said Gavin had used it to kill Aaron, but Ellie later refuted that, saying Jones had been the real killer.
All that confusion aside, detectives assessed facts and statements. Although Jones rambled and asked for more cigarettes, his account was consistent with the evidence at the scene of the crime. Eventually, police determined all three had been involved in the crime.
But based on timelines and confirmed accounts, they concluded Gavin had killed Aaron, and Jones assisted in concealing the body. Ellie’s role wasn’t clear, though she faced serious charges as well. A once-sidelined character, Jones had become a crucial piece in the crime-solving puzzle.
Russell Jones’ Sentence And Where He Is Now
Years after the investigation, Jones took a critical legal step. In 2021, he pleaded no contest to charges of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted first-degree robbery. That meant he neither accepted guilt nor denied it, but agreed to let the court sentence him as though it were true.
The plea allowed him to avoid a trial and minimize the risks of harsher potential sentencing. He received a sentence of 15 years in prison, followed by three years of post-prison supervision. It was revealed during court proceedings that Jones had also spoken with Gavin and Ellie about killing Jones’ own father, but never acted on that.
Jones, now 29, is serving time at the Oregon State Correctional Institution, a medium-security prison in Salem. He is to be eligible for parole in 2031, according to the Department of Corrections. Whether he is released depends on his behavior, rehabilitation progress and the parole board’s decision.
FAQs
Where is Russell Jones now?
He is incarcerated at the Oregon State Correctional Institution in Salem, Ore., serving a 15-year sentence.
What did Russell Jones do?
He aided in disposing of the body of Aaron Friar and pleaded no contest to conspiracy to commit murder and attempted robbery.
Russell Jones was a murderer?
Gavin MacFarlane is believed to have committed the murder. Jones assisted afterward.
When will Russell Jones be out?
He will be eligible for parole in 2031, but release will hinge on the decisions of parole boards.
What happened to Ellie Friar?
She was charged and arrested in the case. This source did not publicly confirm details about her sentencing.
Final Words
Russell Jones’s involvement in the 2017 Medford murder case is a lesson in how actions, even post-crime, have weight. His cooperation helped crack the case, though his involvement nevertheless earned him a 15-year sentence.
This story illustrates how justice operates in layers — within a system where truth matters but so does timing, and testimony. It’s a cautionary tale of relations, decisions, and the long road that lies ahead after one tragic act.
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