UPDATE: Rahnique Jackson Sentenced to Life in Prison for the Stabbing Death of Colin Smith

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced Rahnique Usef Jackson, 25, to life in prison for the stabbing death of Colin Smith, 32, in the Buckman neighborhood in July 2023. Jackson will be eligible for parole consideration after 25 years. 

Trial

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeff Auxier and Deputy District Attorney Branden Meadows handled prosecution for the state. A trial took place in front of Judge Shelley Russell from July 15-22, 2024. The 12-person jury delivered a unanimous verdict on July 22, finding Jackson guilty of:

• One count of Murder in the Second Degree
• One count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• One count of Bias Crime in the Second Degree

Sentencing

Sentencing took place on July 26, 2024. Judge Russell sentenced Jackson to 364 days (the maximum amount allowed) for the Bias Crime charge, with a consecutive life sentence (with the possibility of parole after 25 years) for the Murder 2 and Unlawful Use of a Weapon charge. 

The DA’s Office recognizes the tremendous impact this case has had on Mr. Smith’s family, friends, coworkers, and the community. Prosecutors are pleased to have reached this swift resolution and hope that it allows for some peace and closure for all who knew and loved Mr. Smith. The DA’s Office would like to thank all of the family and friends of Mr. Smith who testified; PPB Detective Brad Clifton for his hard work and professionalism; and Bias Crimes Investigator Brianna Ranck for her work on this case.

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*Original Message (7/13/2023)*

DA Mike Schmidt Announces Grand Jury Indictment of Rahnique Jackson in Stabbing Death of Colin Smith

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury indicted Rahnique Usef Jackson, 24, on three charges relating to the recent stabbing death of Colin Smith, 32, in the Buckman neighborhood:

1. Murder in the Second Degree
2. Unlawful Use of a Weapon
3. Bias Crime in the Second Degree

On July 2 at 1:49 a.m., Portland Police Central Precinct officers were dispatched to a report that someone was stabbed in the 1400 block of Southeast 12th Avenue. When they arrived, they located an adult male deceased at the scene. The victim was later identified as Colin Smith, and the medical examiner determined he died of homicide by stabbing. The suspect, Jackson, fled the scene and was arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals Service on July 7. 

Jackson is scheduled to be arraigned on July 18, at which time he will enter a plea. Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeff Auxier and Deputy District Attorney Branden Meadows are the prosecutors assigned to this case.  

A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime. Jackson is innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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