PORTLAND WOMAN FOUND GUILTY EXCEPT FOR INSANITY FOR KILLING HER BROTHER AND GUILTY FOR SHOOTING TWO OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS. - 11/14/25

CASE: 19CR51044                                                               November 14, 2025

Portland, OR-On November 12, Judge Nan Waller announced judgment for 37-year-old Tamena Jaceeta Strickland. Strickland was found guilty except for insanity on a charge of Murder in the Second Degree and guilty on two charges of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree on October 24 following a stipulated-facts trial and change of plea. 

The sentence commits Strickland to the control of the Psychiatric State Review Board (PSRB) for life and also sentences her to 22-years of prison during the same time period. If the PSRB determines Strickland is stable mentally and no longer needs to be in a hospital during her 22-year sentence, she would serve the remaining custodial time in prison with the Department of Corrections. 

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero prosecuted the case for the state. After the sentencing she said: 

“Our hearts remain with Deante’s family, his friends and the broader Portland State University and Central Catholic High School communities. Deante was more than an athlete–he was a bright and promising young man whose life was tragically taken far too early. He was loved by all that knew him, and his loss continues to be deeply felt across our community. This resolution reflects a careful balance of accountability, public safety and a clear acknowledgment of the devastating role that mental illness played in this case. The court’s judgment ensures that the defendant is held accountable under the law, while also providing a path for necessary mental health treatment in a controlled, secure environment. This dual approach is critical: it protects the community, honors the victims and acknowledges the complexity and human reality of the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Portland Police Bureau for their thorough work investigating this case.

THE FACTS:

On August 2, 2019, Tamena Strickland shot and killed her younger brother, 22-year-old Deante Strickland. She also shot and wounded her grandmother Shirley Strickland and her aunt who is also named Shirley Strickland. Following the shooting, Tamena Strickland briefly fled before turning herself in to Portland Police later that evening with her attorney. Detectives recovered the firearm and related evidence. The shooting sent shockwaves through Portland State University, the broader community and the Strickland family. Deante was widely described as hardworking, humble and deeply loved. His death prompted vigils, tributes and memorials from teammates, coaches, family and friends. PSU honored him and his family has spoken publicly about the lasting impact of his loss.