PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – After a gun fell through a man’s pant leg in 2023 at the St. Paul Rodeo — which was connected to a deadly Salem shooting days earlier — a man has been sentenced for his role in the incident.

On Monday, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jodie A. Bureta sentenced 21-year-old Michael Ray Solis to 25 years in the Oregon Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole for first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a firearm.

The case goes back to July 1, 2023, when Salem police responded to reports of a shooting at 7 p.m. near the intersection of 17th Street and Silverton Road Northeast.

On the scene, first responders said 34-year-old Steven Hill died from a gunshot wound.

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office said witnesses described seeing three men running from the area, with surveillance video nearby confirming witness accounts.

Police identified Solis as one of the people present at the shooting, with witnesses later identifying Solis as the shooter, authorities said, noting Solis eventually admitted to the shooting.

“Investigators determined there was no prior known relationship between Solis and Hill. However, Solis was associated with the 18^th street gang, while Hill had tattoos affiliated with a Native American, but often rival, gang,” the Marion County District Attorney’s Office said.

Three days later, Solis was arrested at the St. Paul Rodeo for his involvement in a fight, officials said.

During the arrest – as Solis and a Marion County sheriff’s deputy walked toward a patrol vehicle – a handgun fell from Solis’ pant leg, authorities said, adding that the gun was later determined to be the same gun used to shoot Hill days earlier.

Solis was released at the time, but arrested on July 17, 2023, after law enforcement had sufficient information to charge Solis for Hill’s death.

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office noted in Oregon, felony trial convictions can be appealed to higher courts, such as the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Oregon.

Sentences and convictions are often overturned, or reduced, the District Attorney’s Office explained, noting, “By reaching a resolution that avoids a lengthy appeal process and costly trial, the DA’s office ensures a certain and final outcome for the victim’s family.”

“This resolution was reached at the request of the victim’s family. Although Solis was initially charged with murder, the family’s priority was a guaranteed conviction that would not be overturned on appeal,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “I know they did not reach their decision lightly. This sentence ensures the same minimum incarceration length as murder and acknowledges Mr. Solis taking accountability for his actions. Most importantly, it provides Mr. Hill’s loved ones with a measure of justice and peace. The defendant will serve 25 years in prison with no chance of parole, bringing certainty to the family and a safer community.”

Murphy added, “But for the relentless work of Salem Detective Stuart Gamble and the other detectives at Salem Police, I am convinced this case would have remained unresolved. Salem is lucky to have one of the best police departments I know of.”

District Attorney Paige Clarkson echoed, “Marion County is fortunate to have such diligent law enforcement investigators and partners. Through their work, we were able to provide the family with some sense of justice.”