SANDY, Ore. -- A man wanted in the shooting death of his 66-year-old mother near Sandy on Christmas Day returned to the scene of the crime about 6 a.m. Saturday morning and surrendered without incident after confronted by Clackamas County sherrif's deputies.
An all-out search for Michael Scott Bighaus, 41, closed the main connection between Mount Hood and Portland for more than six hours as police searched for the shooter. He is alleged to have killed his mother Vivian Bighaus, who lived there with her husband Phillip Bighaus, 67.
Family friend Sharon Peil said Vivian and Phillip "were inseparable. Phil literaly lived for Vivian. She was a most giving, loving, unselfish, generous woman. An honor to be a friend with."
Police shut down U.S. 26 between mileposts 33 and 35, about eight miles east of Sandy, at about 4 p.m. Friday to search for the man suspected in the shooting. It was reopned about 10 p.m.
Bighaus was considered armed and dangerous, according to Clackamas Co. Det. Jim Strovink. He said Michael Bighaus had a mental disorder and had not been taking his medication.
The shooting took place at a residence at 56560 E. Fernwood Court, eight miles east of Sandy.
A 911 call reporting the shooting was received at 3:15 p.m. Police say three people lived at the residence, the Bighaus parents and their son. Phillip Bighaus phoned 911. Police allegeg that Michael Bighaus shot his mother with a large caliber rifle and immediately fled the scene on foot.
Bighaus also had an outstanding misdemeanor arrest warrant for absconding, and prior arrests for drunk driving, burglary and criminal mischief.
