Man Sentenced For Woodburn Grocery Store Armed Robbery - 03/11/26
State of Oregon v. Marcos Guzman-Barajas
Marion County Circuit Court Case 24CR20660
Man Sentenced in Marion County for Woodburn Grocery Store Robbery
Salem, OR – March 11, 2026 – Today, The Honorable Marion County Circuit Court Judge Tracy Prall sentenced defendant Marcus Guzman-Barajas, age 27, to 190 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections. Guzman-Barajas pled guilty to two counts of Robbery in the First Degree with a Firearm, and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm.
The conviction stems from an April 2024 robbery that occurred just after closing at El Torito Market in Woodburn. During the incident, Guzman-Barajas threatened multiple employees and a customer with a handgun while demanding access to the store’s money. He pointed the gun at a cashier’s head and told her he would shoot if she didn’t open the safe. She did not know the safe combination and feared for her life. At one point Guzman-Barajas became upset and threw the safe on the floor.
A second store employee was forced to the ground at gun point and made to crawl towards the cash register to empty the tills while the defendant repeatedly stated, “I swear I will kill you”. The customer was also ordered to kneel while the gun was pointed at him. Additional employees near the back of the store witnessed the incident and, while hiding, were able to call police.
When Woodburn Police Department arrived, Guzman-Barajos was found attempting to leave the property. Officers detained him and recovered the weapon in a nearby grassy area. The victims did not sustain any serious physical injury.
“This sentence reflects the serious nature of the crime. Multiple victims were genuinely and reasonably in fear for their lives, and law enforcement and the public was seriously threatened due to his actions,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy “We will continue to prioritize the prosecution of this type of serious crime.”
This case was prosecuted by DDA Shannon Sullivan. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office wishes to thank the Woodburn Police Department for their swift response and thorough investigation.
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About Marion County District Attorney’s Office
The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system.
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