Correction: The release has been updated to reflect that the murder charge was with a firearm (first bullet) and that the East County Major Crimes Team assisted with this case (last paragraph). 

UPDATE: Court Finds Ramond Lawrence Guilty of Murder

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County judge delivered a guilty verdict for Ramond Andrew Lawrence, 33, for the shooting death of 24-year-old Teonjenique Elizabeth Lashay Hudson Howard in March 2023.

Deputy District Attorneys Brian Davidson, Tony Dundon, and Elena Langer represented the state at trial, which took place in front of Judge Benjamin Souede from June 5 to June 13, 2024. Judge Soude delivered his verdict on June 13, finding Lawrence guilty of three charges:

• One count of Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm
• One count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm
• One count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Lawrence is currently in custody in Multnomah County pending sentencing, which is scheduled for August 30, 2024, in front of Judge Souede. 

The lead law enforcement agency on this case was the Port of Portland Police Department. They were assisted by members of the East County Major Crimes Team, as well as officers from the Portland Police Bureau. The DA's Office thanks all the law enforcement partners for their assistance on this case.

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*Original Message (8/2/2023)*

DA Mike Schmidt Announces Grand Jury Indictment of Ramond Lawrence in March Homicide Case

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury indicted Ramond Andrew Lawrence, 32, on three charges related to a recent homicide in Northeast Portland:

1. Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm
2. Unauthorized Use of a Weapon with a Firearm
3. Felon in Possession of a Firearm with a Firearm

On March 15, 2023, officers from the Port of Portland Police Department and the Portland Police Bureau responded to a shooting at the Embassy Suites hotel, located at 7900 NE 82nd Avenue. The East County Major Crimes Team was activated to conduct an investigation.

Upon review of the evidence provided by law enforcement, Deputy DA Brian Davidson presented the case to a Grand Jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on July 27. The charges Lawrence was indicted on relate to the death of victim Teonjenique Elizabeth Lashay Hudson Howard. The investigation is ongoing in relation to the second victim.

Lawrence is currently in custody at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for August 24. 

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

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