May 07, 2021
Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that a grand jury indicted Daniel Mugisha for the alleged murder of Michael Arthur.
According to the indictment, Mugisha intentionally killed Arthur using a firearm on December 14, 2020 during the course of a robbery and that on that same date Mugisha was in possession of, and used, a stolen vehicle. The vehicle belonged to a kindergarten teacher, according to information previously released by the Portland Police Bureau.
For the alleged crimes that occurred on December 14, 2020, Mugisha is charged with two counts of murder in the first degree with a firearm, three counts of murder in the second degree with a firearm, one count of robbery in the first degree with a firearm, one count of burglary in the first degree with a firearm, one count of possession of a stolen vehicle and one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle.
The indictment also alleges four counts of attempted murder in the second degree with a firearm, one count of robbery in the first degree with a firearm, and two counts of assault in the second degree with a firearm. These charges stem from November 23, 2020 where it is alleged that Mugisha attempted to murder four people using a firearm. It is alleged the robbery and shooting took place in the 1100 block of Northeast Holladay Street and resulted in two people being injured.
Mugisha is expected to be arraigned on Monday in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Mugisha is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
May 05, 2021
Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
Click here to download the District Attorney’s video remarks
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced the appointment of Samuel Kauffman, a private practice attorney, to serve as a co-lead prosecutor to review the death investigation of Israel Berry, who died after a Gresham Police officer shot him on May 31, 2020.
Attorney Kauffman will work with current Multnomah County prosecutors in conducting a prosecutorial review of this case. The pursuit of justice in this case will be augmented by adding Mr. Kauffman to our team of prosecutors as we continue to investigate this case and present it to the grand jury. Mr. Kauffman has agreed to participate in the preparation and presentation of the case to the grand jury and, if an indictment is returned, to assist with the trial.
It is expected that the state will present this case to the Multnomah County grand jury within the next 3-5 weeks.
The findings of the grand jury will be made public, as they always have.
District Attorney Mike Schmidt released the following statement:
“No matter the legal outcome of an investigation or prosecution of an officer’s use of deadly force, the process of investigation itself can result in significant trauma to a community that can last for years. These cases demand the highest possible degree of transparency and objectivity.
As Multnomah County District Attorney, I believe in the importance of having the investigation of an officer’s use of deadly force be separate and independent from the involved agency. While I believe whole-heartedly in the professionalism of my prosecutors, we work side-by-side with the Gresham Police Department on a day to day basis and have strong working relationships with the officers who work there. Asking that an outside prosecutor provide an objective review removes any actual or perceived conflicts of interest which can occur when the district attorney reviews the actions of an agency that works within their jurisdiction.
Consistent with these beliefs, I will continue to invite the participation of objective legal experts in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving the deadly use of force by law enforcement. I look forward to working with community members, policymakers and other stakeholders to further develop systems of accountability and transparency in these crucially important investigations.”
Under Oregon’s Rules of Professional Conduct, Mr. Kauffman is prohibited from making any public statement on the facts of this investigation.
Any future media statements will be released by Mr. Kauffman through the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. Media inquiries should be directed to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Communications Director.
Mr. Kauffman has nearly 25 years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office or Mr. Kauffman at this time.
#MCDA#
May 03, 2021
Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt charged three people connected to the civil unrest that occurred on May Day.
The Portland Police Bureau announced the arrest of six people on May 1, 2021:
Loomis is charged with one count of felony Riot and three counts of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree.
Loomis is accused of destroying windows at three separate locations: a Starbucks located in the 100 block of Southwest Main Street; a Starbucks located in the 700 block of Southwest Broadway Avenue; and at Sasse Wellness & Med Spa, located in the 600 block of Southwest Alder Street.
Further, it is alleged Loomis acted in concert with a group of five or more people engaging in violent and tumultuous behavior, creating a grave risk of public alarm by smashing windows, disregarding police orders to vacate the area, and damaging property.
The damage at each location is estimated to cost more than $1,000 to repair.
Police located a bent metal bar on Loomis at the time of arrest.
Nguyen is charged with one count of felony Riot, one count of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree and two counts of Attempted Criminal Mischief in the First Degree.
Nguyen is accused of destroying a window at a Starbucks located in the 1300 block of Southwest 3rd Avenue and that Nguyen attempted, but failed, to destroy a window at two other separate Starbucks in downtown.
Further, it is alleged Nguyen acted in concert with a group of five or more people engaging in violent and tumultuous behavior, creating a grave risk of public alarm by smashing a window, disregarding police orders to vacate the area, and damaging property.
Police located a hammer on Nguyen at the time of arrest.
Day is charged with one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, one count of Menacing, one count of Resisting Arrest, one count of Interfering with a Peace Officer and one count of felony Riot.
At approximately 11:47 p.m. on May 1, 2021, officers formed a perimeter with their bodies in the area of South Moody Avenue and South Bancroft Street so they could attempt to take an unrelated person into custody. Day is accused of trying to push through the perimeter officers.
According to court documents, police pushed Day away from them and ordered Day to “stay back.” Day showed officers a neckless that had fallen to the ground. Police kicked the necklace back toward Day so Day could retrieve it. Officers observed Day brandishing a butterfly knife and pointing it toward an officer, with the blade extended, while standing approximately 10 feet away from police.
Police watched as Day walked back into the crowd, met up with another individual and hid behind that person’s deployed umbrella. Officers watched as Day started re-approaching them while using the umbrella as a shield, according to court documents.
When officers provided force warnings, Day ran away. Law enforcement pursued Day to make an arrest. When police caught Day, they saw the butterfly knife in Day’s hand, though the blade was not extended, according to court documents. After a struggle, Day dropped the knife, police took Day into custody.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Donnelly, Stephens, Loomis, Nguyen and Day are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
April 29, 2021
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced a partnership between both offices to investigate the death of Robert Douglas Delgado.
Both District Attorney Schmidt and Attorney General Rosenblum recognize the importance of always maintaining actual and perceived prosecutorial legitimacy and fairness.
Attorney General Rosenblum will assign an Assistant Attorney General to work with two Multnomah County Deputy District Attorneys to oversee the criminal investigation being conducted. Additional resources from either the Oregon Department of Justice or the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office may be assigned to this investigation if deemed necessary and appropriate by either the Oregon Attorney General or Multnomah County District Attorney.
The shooting of Robert Delgado remains an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Portland Police Bureau with the assistance of the East County Major Crimes Team.
Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be referred to the prosecution team for legal analysis. It is then expected that a grand jury will be convened to determine whether the officer’s use of deadly force was a legal act of self-defense or defense of others under Oregon law. The findings of the grand jury will be made public at the appropriate time.
The joint prosecution of this matter does not opine on the individual and unique facts existing in this case.
No additional information can be released at this time, and no interviews are being provided.
#MCDA#
April 27, 2021
DA Mike Schmidt calls for community assistance after 7 people shot in Gresham, Oregon
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released the following statement following the shooting of at least seven people in Gresham.
"The gun violence that unfolded in Gresham on Monday shows the urgent need for more community-based programs that work to prevent gun violence and that respond to the emotional trauma left behind. The outcome of this shooting could have been much different. We acknowledge the paramedics and hospital staff across the metro who are still helping the victims recover from the physical injuries resulting from this brazen act of violence. Outreach workers and crisis counselors stand ready to help the victims and their families. The Gresham Police Department is continuing to work on this investigation—and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts. Our office will continue to assist with this investigation, will handle any prosecutions that result and will support the victims through our Victim’s Assistance Program. Locally, law enforcement is pulling resources together to investigate gun crimes and to prevent the next shooting from happening, but we need the community’s help. Anyone with information on Monday’s shooting in Gresham should contact law enforcement at 503-823-3333. If community members need to report an emergency or have specific information about a shooting that may occur in the future, contact 9-1-1."
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
April 26, 2021
DA Mike Schmidt provides community update on three recent arrests
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that three people are being charged following recent instances of civil unrest.
Camello is charged with two counts of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree and one count of felony Riot.
Miranda is charged with one count of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree and one count of felony Riot.
It is alleged that on April 24, 2021, law enforcement received information from a witness who saw Camello and Miranda destroying windows at a Starbucks near the intersection of Northwest 23rd Avenue and Northwest Overton Street by throwing large rocks.
It is further alleged that Miranda and Camello were both engaging in violent and tumultuous behavior with a crowd of more than five people, causing a grave risk of public alarm.
Portland Police officers followed Miranda and Camello as they moved through the crowd. During that time, a law enforcement officer saw Camello spray paint a known symbol on a TriMet bus shelter, according to court documents.
Inside Camello's backpack, police located a can of black spray paint that had been recently used, according to court documents. The damage to Starbucks’ windows is estimated to cost over $1,000 to repair.
Walker is charged with one count of being in possession of a loaded firearm.
It is alleged Portland Police located Walker on March 12, 2021 at approximately 11:45 p.m. in the area of Northwest 14th Avenue and Northwest Marshall Street armed with a Walther PPQ 9mm pistol in a leg holster and a loaded magazine.
Police had closed that specific area of the Pearl District and detained a group of about 100 people to investigate criminal conduct. Police cited and then released Walker.
The District Attorney’s Office initiated this case earlier this month after receiving a criminal case referral packet from the Portland Police Bureau.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Miranda, Camello and Walker are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
April 23, 2021
DA Mike Schmidt announces murder suspect charged in second alleged homicide
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that a grand jury indicted Quentin Blackmon for the alleged murder of Thomas Hammond.
Blackmon is now charged with two murders and the attempted murder of a third person.
| Shooting Date | Location | Victim | Charges | Indictment Date |
|
August 20, 2020 |
4300 block of Northeast 93rd Avenue |
Thomas Hammond |
Murder in the First Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
|
April 20, 2021.
Case No. 21CR19276 |
|
August 24, 2020 |
Northeast 111th and Northeast Sandy Boulevard. |
Note: The District Attorney’s Office is not identifying the attempted murder victim for their safety. |
Attempted Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm, Attempted First Degree Assault with a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm, and Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. |
October 23, 2020
Case No. 20CR58447 |
|
October 01, 2020 |
Northeast 111th and Northeast Sandy Boulevard. |
Michael Epps |
Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm, Unlawful use of a Weapon with a Firearm and Being a Felon in possession of a firearm. |
October 23, 2020
Case No. 20CR58447 |
Based on available information to law enforcement, the October 01, 2020 homicide does not appear to be random.
It is alleged that on August 20, 2021, Blackmon used a firearm to carjack Hammond and that in the course of that robbery, Blackmon shot and killed Hammond. This case appears to be a stranger-on-stranger homicide.
Law enforcement arrested Blackmon on October 02, 2020 on a probation violation while detectives investigated the October 01, 2020 homicide.
Portland Police Bureau homicide detectives, working with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, conducted additional investigative follow up to present evidence to the grand jury alleging Blackmon’s involvement in the August 20, 2020 homicide of Hammond.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Blackmon is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
April 21, 2021
DA Mike Schmidt releases video statement, community update on recent riot charges
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released a video statement and community update on the riot charges filed that are associated with recent property damage.
District Attorney Mike Schmidt said in part:
“The violence and property destruction we’ve seen in Portland for nearly 11 months now is unacceptable. These harmful and criminal acts do not align with our community values. The First Amendment gives everyone the right to gather and to voice their opinions—whether we agree or overwhelmingly rebuke those beliefs. As District Attorney, I will always defend a person’s right to free speech, but I will not defend nor support anyone who knowingly, recklessly or intentionally destroys property or engages in violence.”
“My office continues to prioritize the prosecution of people who are destroying property and committing violence—and this is nothing new. This is what we’ve been doing since I took office. That was my instruction to my deputies on day one: focus on, work with law enforcement and prosecute the people who are starting fires, who are destroying windows and who are committing assaults.”
“Recently, we have seen a positive shift from law enforcement making targeted arrests on the people who are accused of starting fires, destroying windows and committing assaults. I want to thank our local law enforcement for prioritizing these cases. These targeted arrests are important; they allow us to focus our limited resources on the people causing the most harm, and it will ensure that people demonstrating without violence are protected.”
Additionally, District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced today the filing of a new criminal case against Theodore Matthee-O’Brien.
Matthee-O’Brien is charged with two counts of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree and one count of felony Riot.
On April 19, 2021 the State filed one count of criminal mischief in the first degree and one count of felony riot against Matthee-O’Brien for conduct that occurred on April 16, 2021 when Matthee-O’Brien allegedly damaged windows at the Oregon Historical Society. For more information on that case, please click here.
This week, the Portland Police Bureau’s Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team reviewed security videos from Nordstrom, located at 701 Southwest Broadway, and the U.S. Bancorp Tower, located at 111 Southwest 5th Avenue. Both locations had windows damaged during the riot on April 16, 2021.
According to court documents, the videos obtained by Portland Police show Matthee-O'Brien smashing windows at Nordstrom and the U.S. Bancorp Tower on April 16, 2021. The videos show Matthee-O'Brien acting in concert with five or more people engaged in tumultuous and violent behavior, creating the grave risk of public alarm.
The damage to Nordstrom and the U.S. Bancorp is estimated to be over $10,000 at each location.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Matthee-O'Brien is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
###
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
April 22, 2021
Multnomah County proclaims this week as “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week”
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed the week of April 18 through April 24, 2021 as “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week” in Multnomah County.
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said:
“This is more than an occasion that we mark on our calendars each year. It’s a promise to survivors of crime that we stand with them, that survivors have a voice and that their voices will always be heard. Supporting victims, building trust and engaging communities—that is what National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is all about, and that is what Multnomah County is prioritizing every day as we serve survivors of crime.”
By declaring this week as “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week,” the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners made several findings that include:
Click here to download the pre-produced proclamation reading that includes Rhea DuMont (Community Justice Manager for the Victim and Survivor Services unit with the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice), Emily Hyde (Supervisor of the Multnomah County Distirct Attorney’s Victim’s Assistance Program), John Casalino (Chief Deputy District Attorney) and District Attorney Mike Schmidt.
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
April 21, 2021
DA Mike Schmidt files charges following April 20, 2021 downtown unlawful assembly
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt filed criminal charges against Kenneth Harold and Randy Gray for alleged criminal conduct that occurred during an unlawful assembly on Tuesday April 20, 2021 in downtown.
State v. Kenneth Harold (C# 21CR19106)
Harold is charged with one count of criminal mischief in the first degree, one count of felony riot and one count of unlawful possession of a graffiti implement.
Harold is accused damaging windows at the Starbucks store located in the 400 block of Southwest Morrison Street. Next to the windows Harold is accused of damaging police observed fresh graffiti written in black paint. When arrested, law enforcement found Harold in possession of a glass breaking device commonly called a “window punch” and black spray paint.
The windows Harold is accused of damaging will cost more than $1,000 to repair, according to court documents.
State of Oregon v. Randy Gray (C# 21CR19107)
Gray is charged with one count of assaulting a public safety officer, one count of resisting arrest and one count of disorderly conduct in the second degree after allegedly punching a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) sergeant in the mouth.
It is alleged that as a result of the punch, the sergeant reported tooth pain, a bloody nose and cut and swollen lips.
According to court documents, Gray admitted to being downtown with friends and confirmed hearing police give a dispersal order.
Video of this assault, posted on social media, shows a group of people surrounding the sergeant who was walking his bike on the sidewalk after previously contacting someone who stepped in front of the sergeant’s bike, according to court documents.
The video clearly captures police identifying themselves and providing dispersal orders after declaring an unlawful assembly. The video also shows uniformed officers in the vicinity.
Gray is captured on video rearing back and punching the sergeant in the face, according to court documents.
The video shows the sergeant’s head snapping back. As a result of the punch, the sergeant falls to the ground as the police bicycle rolls into a TriMet structure. Video shows Gray on top of the sergeant as multiple nearby officers rushed to help the sergeant and to take Gray into custody. During the struggle to arrest Gray, pepper spray was deployed.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Harold and Gray are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
April 20, 2021
DA Mike Schmidt charges two people after windows smashed during direct action event
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt filed criminal mischief and felony riot charges against Emily Keppler and Emma Lightstone for allegedly breaking out windows during a planned direct action event that targeted a North Portland neighborhood.
It is alleged that during the direct action, which was advertised on social media, law enforcement received information about a person, later identified as Emma Lightstone approaching the Bank of America branch, located in the 5700 block of Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and then using a hammer to strike an ATM multiple times.
It is alleged that Lightstone then handed the hammer to another suspect—later identified as Emily Keppler.
Keppler struck the screen of the ATM several times, according to court documents.
During the direct action, both Lightstone and Keppler allegedly used the same hammer to break multiple windows at the U.S. Bank, located in the 5500 block of Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. It is alleged that Keppler and Lightstone caused more than $1,000 in damages.
Before they could be contacted by law enforcement, both Lightstone and Keppler changed their clothing, according to court documents.
When police located and arrested Lightstone, officers searched Lightstone's backpack and located a silver hammer, black jacket and black gloves, according to court documents.
Police located and arrested Keppler in the area of Northeast 15th Avenue and Northeast Killingsworth Avenue. During a search after arrest, law enforcement located black clothing inside consistent to the description provided to law enforcement, according to court documents.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is working with law enforcement to identify and then prosecute the person responsible for breaking out windows at the “Blazers Club” of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area.
Individuals with information on the identity of this person—or others involved in the criminal acts that occurred during this or other direct action events—should contact law enforcement immediately by calling 503-823-3333.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Keppler and Lightstone are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
April 20, 2021
District Attorney Mike Schmidt releases statement on Derek Chauvin guilty verdict
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released the following statement following the verdict in State of Minnesota v. Derek Chauvin.
“The significance of this verdict cannot be overstated. This trial was vastly more than just a police officer on trial for the murder of a man. It was about humanity and sanctity of Black life. It proved excessive force is a weapon. Although this verdict delivered justice in one case, it will not, by itself, transform the criminal justice system that took the life of George Floyd. We must resist the urge to turn to other matters – this struggle is not over. The verdict will not, by itself, protect the next George Floyd. Now, we must take what we know—what we’ve learned from this trial—and find the strength to bring about transformative change in institutions across our country, and to heal and reestablish trust. This moment must serve to remind us of the tremendous gulf between where we are and where we truly must be.”
A video copy of this statement can be obtained by clicking here.
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
April 19, 2021
DA Mike Schmidt provides update on April 16, 2021 riot in downtown Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt filed criminal charges against two individuals arrested in connection to the downtown riot on April 16, 2021 that resulted in more than $20,000 in damages.
Matthee-O’Brien is charged with one count of criminal mischief in the first degree and one count of felony riot for conduct allegedly occurring April 16, 2021.
Matthee-O’Brien is also charged with one count of felony riot, one count of disorderly conduct in the second degree and one count of interfering with a peace officer for conduct allegedly occurring January 20, 2021.
It is alleged that on April 16, 2021, law enforcement saw Matthee-O’Brien breaking several large windows—some that belonged to the Oregon Historical Society. When arrested, law enforcement found Matthee-O’Brien in possession of a device known as a “window punch,” a gas mask, several pairs of gloves, knives, and multiple umbrellas. These are items known to be commonly used by rioters.
The damage to the Oregon Historical Society is estimated to be more than $10,000.
Further, it is alleged that on January 20, 2021, law enforcement saw Matthee-O’Brien using a shield to actively block and shove law enforcement officers who were attempting to control a violent crowd outside a federal building located in South Portland. It is alleged that Matthee-O’Brien did so with five or more people and created a grave risk of causing public alarm. When arrested, law enforcement found Matthee-O’Brien in possession of several large rocks, an asp baton and a large shield.
Millar-Griffin is charged with two counts of criminal mischief in the first degree and one count of felony riot.
It is alleged that on April 16, 2021, law enforcement received information that Millar-Griffin broke several windows at the Oregon Historical Society and the First Christian Church.
The damage to the First Christian Church is estimated to be more than $10,000.
Law enforcement referred a criminal case against Sodja alleging one count of assaulting a public safety officer and one count of disorderly conduct in the second degree.
The conduct occurred at Lents Park during the afternoon—not the evening riot in downtown Portland.
After reviewing the case, the District Attorney’s Office determined there is insufficient evidence to prove the crime of assaulting a public safety officer and declined prosecution.
The other charge was declined in the interest of justice.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Matthee-O’Brien and Millar-Griffin are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
April 17, 2021
Statement from District Attorney Mike Schmidt on deadly police shooting, riot in downtown Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released the following statement regarding the April 16, 2021 police involved shooting that resulted in a fatality and the criminal riot that occurred Friday night in downtown Portland.
“We are in the very early stages of a rigorous and professional criminal investigation. An officer’s use of deadly force is likely the most critical and dangerous decision they will make in their career as a public servant. As a community—we are hurt and vulnerable right now. I am sensitive to the community’s concern about yesterday’s deadly police shooting and the calls for answers and reform. Our investigation needs to be methodical and consistent. We will not be rushed in our decisions. All legally admissible evidence must be gathered and reviewed. It is expected that this case will be presented to a grand jury to determine whether the use of deadly force was a legal act of self defense and/or self defense of others. We remain committed to an open and transparent process. Our objective is to seek answers.”
“The deliberate and criminal actions of individuals rioting in downtown Portland on Friday night significantly endangered life and property. It is unacceptable. This destruction does not align with community values and has no legitimacy. It is harming our city, county and state. There are multiple criminal investigations underway to identify those responsible for last night's criminality. To support these investigations and to further our criminal prosecutions, I am asking business and property owners to review their video security systems and to provide law enforcement with copies of any relevant material. I also want to thank the community members who volunteered their time this morning to help clean up downtown—that is the Portland and Multnomah County I am proud of."
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office will review the criminal cases from Friday night’s riot when they are referred to our office from law enforcement. At this time, no court dates have been set for any of the three individuals arrested by the Portland Police Bureau.
With regard to the deadly police shooting, the interview of the officer who used deadly force is expected to happen within 48 hours of the shooting.
The Portland Police Bureau may release additional information about Friday’s shooting when appropriate.
The criminal investigation into Friday’s deadly police shooting is being conducted by the Portland Police Bureau with the assistance of the East Multnomah County Major Crimes Team.
The East Multnomah County Major Crimes Team is comprised of individuals selected from participating law enforcement agencies. Each jurisdiction has at least two primary team members in addition to several alternate team members approved by the District Attorney’s Office. It is the responsibility of the lead investigative agency to ensure that a comprehensive investigation is conducted and that all police reports are submitted to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for independent review and prosecution consideration.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us