Two Arrested in Beating, Robbery of 82-Year-Old Merlin Man

A Josephine County man was badly beaten during a robbery at his home near Merlin, and two suspects have now been arrested in the case.

The victim, 82-year-old Alan Curle, was found in a pool of blood in his home in late September. He was hospitalized for a stroke, but family members were suspicious there was more to it, and investigators learned someone had been using his credit cards.

That led them to Stephen Andrew August, 20, and Daniel Zachary Harper, 23, who live together in Grants Pass. They were arrested Thursday. August is 6'4" and 165 pounds. Harper is 5'8" and 250 pounds.

Detectives say early on Sept. 23, the men cut the power to Curle's home, beat the victim until he was unconscious, and stole everything from stereo equipment to alcohol to credit cards.

The suspects face burglary, robbery, assault, and other charges.

Curle has been transferred to a convalescing care facility to continue his recovery.

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