PRINEVILLE, Ore. — A Prineville family is asking the public for help after a horrifying, unprovoked home invasion left 53-year-old Steve Wilson with devastating injuries, including shattered facial bones and partial vision loss. The suspect, a neighbor with a reported history of mental illness, allegedly claimed to be a Jedi from Star Wars and livestreamed the violent attack on Facebook.

According to Central Oregon Daily News, police arrested 26-year-old Lindley Drew Purrington on June 30 and charged him with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree assault. Law enforcement responded to a 911 call at approximately 5:09 p.m. on NE 3rd Street in Prineville, where they found Wilson severely beaten, suffering from major facial and head injuries.

Purrington, who was still at the scene, was quickly taken into custody.

“Lindley Purrington kicked down the door and told my brother that somebody needed to die,” Wilson’s sister, Tina Dekelver, said. “He started using his fists, and I was told he used a hammer as well.”

Disturbingly, Purrington allegedly filmed the entire attack himself and posted the graphic video to Facebook. A viewer who saw the footage reported it to 911.

“He filmed the beating while he was doing it and put it on Facebook,” Dekelver said. “Somebody on his Facebook site called 911.”

The Prineville Police Department has since asked that the video be removed and confirmed that all individuals involved are accounted for, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation remains active.

During Purrington’s court arraignment, Crook County Deputy District Attorney Paxton Deuel revealed troubling details about the suspect’s mental state. Purrington reportedly told authorities that he believed he was a Jedi and that Wilson was a Sith — a reference to characters from the Star Wars universe.

“I did it to end the war between the Jedi and the Sith,” Purrington reportedly said after the attack, requesting the court refer to him by his Jedi name, “Atlas.”

Prosecutors also noted that Purrington has a history of mental illness and prior civil commitments. His bail was initially set at $250,000, but he is now being held without bail at the Crook County Jail. A formal indictment is expected soon.

Wilson’s family says his injuries are life-changing. His face was shattered in the attack, leaving him with impaired vision and serious complications with everyday tasks. Doctors are unsure if he will ever fully regain his eyesight.

“He can only sip Ensure. He can’t use a straw. He has to use a teaspoon. He’s having trouble swallowing. Life is very different for him,” Dekelver said.

Although the attack appears unprovoked, Dekelver noted the two men were neighbors and had spoken briefly before. Wilson had declined a casual invite from Purrington, preferring to keep to himself, and afterward felt the need to keep his distance.

Family Turns to GoFundMe for Help

In the wake of the assault, Dekelver created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Wilson’s medical costs, home accommodations, and other recovery needs.

“I thank every person that put their hard-earned money towards my brother,” she said. “Every little dime that was given will go to my brother, and to things that will make him better.”

The fundraiser notes that Wilson has a long road ahead — both physically and emotionally — as he navigates recovery from trauma inflicted by someone he once trusted as a neighbor.

Community members and friends are encouraged to contribute or share the campaign to help give Wilson the support he needs. If you are able, we encourage you to help this family in need and donate to the GoFundMe here.