A 21-year-old Medford man will spend more than 4 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree attempted assault and unlawful use of a weapon for his role in a 2024 shooting near Cedar Links Park, the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office said.

Elijah Zeigler pleaded guilty Tuesday in connection with the shooting that occurred in the 1900 Block of Gene Cameron Way in Medford in May 2024. Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jeremy Markiewicz sentenced Zeigler to the negotiated recommendation of the district attorney’s office of 50 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections, which will be followed by three years of post-prison supervision.

According to the DA’s office, on May 4, 2024, Zeigler attended a party in Ashland. Blake Wheeler, 25, attended the same party and had approximately $600 stolen from his vehicle while he was there and suspected Zeigler of committing the theft, a news release on the sentencing said.

On May 5, 2024, Zeigler sent a picture via social media that showed himself with what was believed to be the stolen money and a handgun, and Wheeler, his brother Zane Wheeler, 20, and friends arranged to meet Zeigler near Cedar Links Park in east Medford.

“Zane Wheeler reported that when they met up with him there, Zeigler had a shotgun and pointed it at him,” the release said. The incident was reported to Medford police at the time, but Zeigler could not be located.

On May 6, 2024, Blake Wheeler was driving in the same area attempting to find Zeigler, the DA’s office said.

“At one point, Blake Wheeler observed what he believed to be an SUV similar to Mr. Zeigler’s park next to him before driving away. Blake Wheeler then turned around in an attempt to locate the vehicle and determine if it was Mr. Zeigler. When Blake Wheeler arrived back in the area, the SUV was parked. It was Mr. Zeigler in the SUV.

“(Zeigler) exited the SUV at that time and fired multiple shots in the direction of Blake Wheeler’s vehicle,” according to the release. “Blake Wheeler then sped off and waited for law enforcement. MPD responded and the scene was processed. Two spent shell casings were located, and two bullet holes were observed in Blake Wheeler’s vehicle.”

No one was injured, and the next day, Zeigler turned himself in to Medford police, the release said.

Both victims were consulted during the plea negotiations and expressed their agreement with the resolution, the DA’s office said.

“Mr. Zeigler’s lack of any prior criminal history, his demonstrated commitment to rehabilitation shown by completion of treatment since the incident, and his agreement to pay restitution to both victims was also considered in the negotiations.”

The prosecution was handled by Senior Deputy District Attorney Lucy Durst.