9 Year Prison Sentence For Burglary Ring Member -03/28/25

A man who helped lead a ring of thieves, who preyed on hard working small business owners, pled guilty today to 30 felony criminal charges related to those crimes.

Joshua Patrick Lucero, 33 years old, stole cars, stole property, and burglarized multiple Portland businesses.

The ring is accused of targeting as many as 100 Portland area businesses in all.

Multnomah County Judge David Rees sentenced Lucero to 9 years in prison as part of a plea deal that resolved all of Lucero’s outstanding cases in Multnomah County.

Lucero is currently serving a 35-month sentence for similar crimes committed in Washington County.

In Multnomah County, Lucero pled guilty to 6 counts of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (auto theft); 1 count of Burglary in the Second Degree; and 23 counts of Burglary in the First Degree. 

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Alexander Garcia and Deputy District Attorney Elena Langer prosecuted the case for the state.

“I hope that business owners see this as a first step toward restoring accountability in Portland and the greater Portland metropolitan area. Property crime affects us all. Business owners. Patrons. And the larger community. Mr. Lucero’s actions are unacceptable and similar conduct - committed by others - will not be tolerated.” said DDA Garcia. 

We would like to recognize the work and compassionate care of MCDA Victim Advocates Karla Juarez and Emma Kane for their help on the case.

Also Portland Police Bureau Acting Detective Consider Vosu, Portland Police Bureau Officer Elliott Walker, and MCDA Investigator Gabriella Snedecor played pivotal roles in the investigation of these cases.

Here is our previous release on the case involving both Mr. Lucero and an accused accomplice whose case is still working its way through the system.

January 24, 2025

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office is announcing the arrest and prosecution of two members of a burglary ring that investigators believe includes ten or more people and has preyed upon more than a hundred businesses in the greater Portland area. 

Portland police are continuing to investigate the ring with the goal of identifying everyone involved and holding them accountable.

According to the probable cause affidavit, video surveillance shows the burglaries committed by an organized crime ring that targeted restaurants, bars, lounges, and other commercial spaces in Multnomah County, Oregon. 

A Grand Jury indicted Courtney Savannah Carlile, 27 years old, on 35 charges including Burglary in the First Degree (Class A felony), Criminal Mischief in the First Degree (Class C felony)  and Theft in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor). 

The Grand Jury also indicted Joshua Patrick Lucero, 33 years old, on 50 charges including Burglary in the First Degree (Class A felony), Aggravated Theft in the First Degree (Class B felony), and Criminal Mischief in the first degree (Class C felony).

Class A felonies are the most serious. Each can result in prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $375,000 dollars or both.

THE FACTS:

The cases began back in July of 2024. 

Portland Police Bureau Officer Elliott Walker played a key role in linking the cases together and identifying the suspects. Numerous other Portland police officers also helped out during the course of the investigation, which included multiple search warrants.

The probable cause affidavit states that on July 27, 2024 video surveillance for Baby Dolla Pizza at 2835 SE Stark Street shows, according to Officer Walker, Lucero arriving in a white Acura TL. Officer Walker reports Lucero is initially unmasked, and that he used a crowbar to force entry to the business and a Sawzall to gain access to an interior office. The officer said the business owner confirmed damage was more than $1,000 dollars.

On September 18, 2024, according to Officer Walker,  video showed Lucero and Carlile used bolt cutters to break into Grassa at NW 23rd Ave and a Sawzall saw to cut into an interior business safe. The burglary was caught on video and the two defendants were not wearing masks.

That same night, September 18, 2024, video from Old Town Brewing Co, located at 52nd and MLK, according to Officer Walker,  showed the two defendants in the same clothing. This time they smashed a window to get into the building. They once again used a Sawzall saw to gain access to an interior office and business safe.

The pattern repeated numerous times through November and December of 2024 until the pair were arrested by Portland Police on December 28th, 2024.  Both defendants remain in custody.

Both Lucero and Carlile have additional criminal cases pending in Washington and Clackamas counties.

An Indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Lucero and Carlile are innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

#MCDA#

23 MONTH SENTENCE IN STARVATION CASE -03/28/25

March 28, 2025

Today, Multnomah County Judge Leslie Bottomly sentenced Jamie Strahm to the following:

• Count 1: 90 days jail and 36 months probation with special conditions of probation to include a parenting class, comprehensive psychological evaluation (comply with all recommended treatment), no contact with the victim, and no physical discipline of any child.  

• Count 3: 20 months in the department of corrections and 36 months post prison supervision. 

Count 3 was imposed consecutively to Count 1, meaning her total custody time is 90 days + 20 months. 

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Rachna Hajari and Senior Deputy DA Charles Mickley prosecuted the case for the state. Emma Kane was the Victim Advocate. 

The assigned prosecuting attorneys worked tirelessly to seek justice for the victim in this case. The victim’s perseverance and resilience from the longstanding abuse he endured is inspirational. Similarly inspirational is the tremendous level of dedication, kindness, sacrifice, and skilled care that the many people who truly care for the victim have provided since the abuse came to light.

Below is our original press release after the conviction:

March 11, 2025

On March 7, 2025, a Multnomah County jury found Jamie Strahm guilty of two counts of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. One count was for withholding the necessary and adequate food from the victim, who was between the ages of seven and eight at the time. The other count was for withholding the necessary and adequate medical attention from the same victim.

The evidence presented at trial included the following facts:

Ms. Strahm started dating the victim’s father in 2014, assuming the role of primary caretaker for the victim after moving into the home. In 2015, the victim (then four years old) suffered an unexplained brain injury while in Ms. Strahm’s care. The victim was hospitalized for several weeks, and left the hospital with a G-tube. When discharged from the hospital, the victim was approximately 45 pounds and was in the 85th percentile for weight at that time. 

The victim failed to thrive while in Ms. Strahm’s care, and lost a significant amount of weight over the next few years. Ms. Strahm repeatedly told medical providers that the victim was unwilling to eat food by mouth, and claimed that she had been feeding the victim the required amount via G-tube. 

By April 25, 2018, the victim was at the 13th percentile for weight. Ms. Strahm failed to make a follow-up appointment with the victim’s registered dietician, and she cancelled or failed to show for a large number of the victim’s medical appointments over the ensuing eighteen months.

Ms. Strahm finally brought the victim in to see the registered dietitian on October 24, 2019. Although Ms. Strahm claimed to be feeding the victim 200% of his expected caloric needs, the victim was extremely thin and frail. Concerned by the victim’s appearance, the registered dietician made arrangements to ensure the victim would be admitted to Randall Children’s Hospital the following day. 

The victim weighed less than 40 pounds when admitted to the hospital and was suffering from refeeding syndrome. Over the span of more than four years in the defendant’s care, when he should have been gaining weight, the victim instead lost more than 10% of his total body weight.

Soon after being admitted to the hospital, the victim began eating food by mouth when Ms. Strahm was not in the same room. Ms. Strahm was banned from the hospital on November 14, 2019. Within one month, the victim gained 10 pounds and demonstrated that he did not need a G-tube to meet his nutritional needs. 

The jury found Jamie Strahm guilty on Count 1 of the indictment, Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. This count alleged that between April 25, 2018, and November 25, 2019, Jamie Strahm intentionally and knowingly withheld the necessary and adequate food from the victim, who was a dependent person. The jury also found Jamie Strahm guilty on Count 3 of the indictment, Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. This count alleged that Jamie Strahm intentionally and knowingly withheld the necessary and adequate medical attention from the victim during the same time period.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Rachna Hajari and Senior Deputy District Attorney Charles Mickley prosecuted the case for the State. They would like to thank Emma Kane for her work as a caring and compassionate victim’s advocate on this case. Most importantly, they express their thanks to the dedicated medical staff at Randall Children’s Hospital and CARES Northwest, who worked to save the victim’s life and protect the victim from Ms. Strahm.

First Guilty Plea In Multnomah County For Using Drugs On Public Transportation, Specifically Portland Streetcar -03/27/25

                                                                                      3/27/25 

Multnomah County Judge Chanpone Sinlapasai accepted the first guilty plea in the county today under a new part of Oregon’s Interfering with Public Transportation law. The revision to the law was passed by the Oregon Legislature as Senate Bill 1553 and took effect on January 1, 2025. The revision added the consumption of illegal drugs on public transportation to the crime of Interfering with Public Transportation, a Class A misdemeanor and not eligible for deflection.

An information accused Nicholas Clay Birdsley on three counts of Interfering with Public Transportation while on the Portland Streetcar.

He pled guilty to Count 1, for trespassing on a public vehicle on Jan 19, 2025 and Count 2 for knowingly ingesting and inhaling a controlled substance that was not legally possessed by the defendant while on a public transit vehicle on February 24, 2025.

Count 3, another trespass, was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Judge Sinlapasai sentenced Mr. Birdsley to 12 months bench probation, 10 days jail credit for time served, a mandatory drug evaluation (which he would not have received if he was under a deflection program), an order to follow recommended treatment (which would not have been part of a deflection) and abide by any Portland Streetcar exclusions.

The case was prosecuted by DDA Wilson Carpenter.

##MCDA##

DV Homicide Defendant Sentenced To Life In Prison -03/25/25

3/25/25

Today, Multnomah County Judge Christopher Marshall found Jake Phillips (DOB 6/24/1985) Guilty of murdering Erika Evans on September 23, 2022. Mr. Phillips was found guilty of the crimes of Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm, both constituting domestic violence.

Judge Marshall then sentenced Mr. Phillips to life in prison with a possibility of parole after 25 years. 

Facts:

On September 23, 2022, Ms. Evans was found deceased at Wallace Park with a single gunshot wound to the neck. A 40 caliber shell casing was found at the scene and the Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide. Mr. Phillips, who was an intimate partner of Ms.Evans, was last seen with her 2 hours prior to the murder. Mr. Phillips was arrested in Brookings, OR on an arrest warrant out of Washington County, Oregon for a Robbery in the First Degree. In that case, which happened several days prior to the murder, Mr. Phillips stole firearms from another individual which was caught on Trimet video. One of those firearms was a 40 caliber gun. When Mr. Phillips was arrested, he had a fanny pack. Officers searched the fanny pack pursuant to a search warrant and found a 40 caliber gun. After doing a NIBIN test, it matched the shell casing found at the homicide scene.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Glen Banfield and Deputy District Attorney James Kim prosecuted the case for the State, with assistance from Deputy District Attorney Christopher Ruiz. They would like to thank Kristen Stowell for her work as a caring and compassionate victim’s advocate on this case, as well as Portland Police Bureau Detectives Brian Sims and Meghan Burkeen for their excellent work.

Suspect Indicted On A Nine Count Case After Being Indicted In Washington County On 21 Similar Charges (Photo) -03/24/25

March 24, 2025

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has issued the following 9 charges under a grand jury indictment on Jesse St. Marie DOB: 06/18/1998.

• Felony Strangulation 

• Assault in the Fourth Degree (3 counts)

• Coercion

• Menacing

• Theft in the Second Degree

• Harassment (2 counts)

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has also issued a media release seeking additional victims in a sex trafficking investigation related to Jesse St. Marie. (See Attached)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MEDIA RELEASE

Detectives Seek Additional Victims in Sex Trafficking Investigation

March 24, 2025

On March 2, 2025, deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) received a report of domestic violence in the Bethany community at an apartment near NW West Union Rd. and NW Bethany Blvd. Deputies learned 26-year-old Jesse Lee St. Marie Blankenship assaulted a woman several days earlier. Blankenship was also wanted by the Gresham Police Department for assaulting and strangling the same woman in February 2025. Deputies then learned Blankenship had a felony warrant for parole violation related to a prior conviction for assaulting a different woman.

While conducting surveillance on the apartment, deputies spotted Blankenship getting into an SUV during the early morning hours of March 4. As deputies moved in to arrest him, Blankenship jumped out of the SUV and tried to run but deputies immediately captured and arrested him.

Detectives from the WCSO Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene. During the investigation, detectives learned Blankenship was involved in sex trafficking as well as being physically violent to multiple people.

On March 17, a Washington County grand jury heard evidence on the case and issued a 21-count indictment. On March 20, a Multnomah County grand jury heard evidence as well and indicted Blankenship for nine additional charges.

Blankenship has been held without bail at the Washington County Jail since March 4. In addition to his parole violation, Blankenship is facing the following charges in Washington County:

• Compelling prostitution – two counts

• Promoting prostitution – two counts

• Coercion – five counts

• Assault in the second degree – two counts

• Harassment

• Assault in the fourth degree (felony) – two counts

• Assault in the fourth degree (misdemeanor) – two counts

• Menacing – two counts

• Recklessly endangering another person

• Causing another person to ingest a controlled substance

• Tampering with a witness

• Supplying contraband – two counts

Blankenship was indicted for the following charges in Multnomah County:

• Strangulation (felony)

• Assault in the fourth degree (misdemeanor) – three counts

• Coercion

• Menacing

• Theft in the second degree

• Harassment – two counts

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are likely. Detectives believe there are additional victims and witnesses and would like to speak with anyone who has information about Blankenship. Please call 503-846-2500 and reference case 50-25-3033.

The release of Blankenship’s booking photo is for law enforcement purposes and is in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273 for the identification of additional criminal activity.

LIFE IN PRISON SENTENCE IN 2018 CASE OF MURDER THEN BURNING BODY (Photo) -03/19/25

LIFE IN PRISON SENTENCE IN 2018 CASE OF MURDER THEN BURNING BODY

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Multnomah County Judge Christopher Ramras sentenced Thomas Colon to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years for Count 1, Murder in the Second Degree. Mr. Colon was also sentenced to the following:

Count 2, Arson in the Second Degree - 10 days jail to run concurrent to Count 1

Count 3, Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree - 16 months in the Department of Corrections to run consecutive to Count 1.

Count 4, Tampering with Physical Evidence - 364 days jail to run concurrent to Counts 1, 2 and 3. 

3/14/25

Today a Multnomah County jury convicted Thomas Robert Colon (DOB 11/19/1980) of murdering Andrew Hathaway on September 5th, 2018. Colon was originally indicted on four counts including Murder in the Second Degree, Arson in the Second Degree, Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence. 

The morning of the trial, Colon pled guilty to Arson in the Second Degree, Abuse of a Corpse in the Second Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The Facts:

On September 3, 2018 in Multnomah County,  Hathaway drove to a house where two other men were living and Colon was visiting. That evening all four men were using drugs and high. At one point Colon and Hathaway were alone in the house and they began a physical fight. One of the other men later said that Colon was winning the fight and Hathaway was screaming for help. The other men broke up the fight and things calmed down for a time. Eventually the fight started up again and Hathaway was bloodied. It briefly stopped for a second time but then continued with Colon beating and stabbing Hathaway until he was dead. 

Colon and one of the other two men moved Hathaway’s body to the trunk of Hathaway’s car and drove it to Marine Drive. They left it in a vacant parking lot and set the car on fire. Responding fire crews found Hathaway’s body in the trunk. Eighty percent of Hathaway’s body was charred by the fire. An autopsy revealed that he died before the fire and had 55 stab wounds and six slice wounds on his body. 

Multnomah County District Attorney Senior Deputy Shawn Overstreet prosecuted the case along with Deputy District Attorney Kenzie Ludwig.

“This is some justice for the Hathaway family. They’ve been living with this for seven years. I’m glad we could finally bring them some closure. This was a lengthy, involved investigation with lots of misdirection from others in the beginning. But we saw it through and found the killer,” Overstreet said.

The District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of retired Portland Police Bureau Detective Vince Cui for his excellent work.

We’d also like to thank District Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate Souk Kanhalikham for compassionate care for those impacted by these crimes.

Colon faces a mandatory minimum of a life sentence in prison. He will serve 25 years before becoming eligible to apply for parole.

 He will be sentenced Wednesday, March 19th at 9am in courtroom 10C at the Multnomah County Courthouse.

JURY CONVICTS THOMAS COLON OF SECOND DEGREE MURDER FOR KILLING THEN BURNING BODY -03/14/25

3/14/25

Today a Multnomah County jury convicted Thomas Robert Colon (DOB 11/19/1980) of murdering Andrew Hathaway on September 5th, 2018. Colon was originally indicted on four counts including Murder in the Second Degree, Arson in the Second Degree, Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence. 

The morning of the trial, Colon pled guilty to Arson in the Second Degree, Abuse of a Corpse in the Second Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The Facts:

On September 3, 2018 in Multnomah County,  Hathaway drove to a house where two other men were living and Colon was visiting. That evening all four men were using drugs and high. At one point Colon and Hathaway were alone in the house and they began a physical fight. One of the other men later said that Colon was winning the fight and Hathaway was screaming for help. The other men broke up the fight and things calmed down for a time. Eventually the fight started up again and Hathaway was bloodied. It briefly stopped for a second time but then continued with Colon beating and stabbing Hathaway until he was dead. 

Colon and one of the other two men moved Hathaway’s body to the trunk of Hathaway’s car and drove it to Marine Drive. They left it in a vacant parking lot and set the car on fire. Responding fire crews found Hathaway’s body in the trunk. Eighty percent of Hathaway’s body was charred by the fire. An autopsy revealed that he died before the fire and had 55 stab wounds and six slice wounds on his body. 

Multnomah County District Attorney Senior Deputy Shawn Overstreet prosecuted the case along with Deputy District Attorney Kenzie Ludwig.

“This is some justice for the Hathaway family. They’ve been living with this for seven years. I’m glad we could finally bring them some closure. This was a lengthy, involved investigation with lots of misdirection from others in the beginning. But we saw it through and found the killer,” Overstreet said.

The District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of retired Portland Police Bureau Detective Vince Cui for his excellent work.

We’d also like to thank District Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate Souk Kanhalikham for compassionate care for those impacted by these crimes.

Colon faces a mandatory minimum of a life sentence in prison. He will serve 25 years before becoming eligible to apply for parole.

 He will be sentenced Wednesday, March 19th at 9am in courtroom 10C at the Multnomah County Courthouse.

PORTLAND MAN SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR BURNING DOWN OCCUPIED APARTMENT BUILDING IN SW PORTLAND (re-sending To Fix A Name Spelling) -03/14/25

3/14/25

Multnomah County Judge Celia Howes today sentenced Garrett Repp to 196 months (16 years 4 months )  in prison for starting the fire that burned down the May apartment building on May 16, 2023.

Repp was earlier convicted on 28 counts of Arson in the first Degree Representing a Threat of Serious Physical Injury, four counts of Animal Abuse in the  First Degree, twenty-one counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and two counts of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree. 

The Facts: 

On May 16, 2023, Garrett Repp was scheduled to be physically evicted from his apartment at 1410 SW Taylor Street after causing months of problems, including pulling the building’s fire alarm more than 20 times. On the morning of May 16th, the building’s owner arrived at the property to discuss problems Repp had caused the night before with neighbors. The building owner tried to talk with Repp near his apartment on the third floor, but Repp refused to communicate with him and went into his apartment and closed the door.

Ten minutes later, at 10:28am, approximately 100 firefighters responded to a fire at the May apartments. Large volumes of smoke were seen coming from the third and fourth floor windows on the north side of the building. Fire crews were quick to rescue tenants from fire escapes on the east and north sides of the building. It was later determined that sixteen residents were in the building at the time of the fire and that six of those residents were asleep. 

The fire destroyed the apartment building. No people were physically harmed but four pets died and every tenant lost all or nearly all of their belongings.

The state’s sentencing memo is attached to this release.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer prosecuted the case for the state.

“Lets not fixate on the evil or horror caused by the defendant but instead recognize the courage and inspiration of the survivors. They rescued each other from the flames, they held each other while their homes burned and they cared for each other through the trial. They are an inspiration to me,” Palmer said.

The District Attorneys Office would like to acknowledge and thank Portland Police Bureau Arson Detective Meredith Hopper, Portland Fire Bureau Lt. Jason Andersen and Portland Fire Bureau Origin and Cause Investigator Nicole Brewer. Their expertise turned up key evidence in the case.

The District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank and acknowledge the work of Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Victim Advocates, Nang Dunn, Alex Bidwell, Suzanne Rapagnani, Emma King and Julie Jacobs. Their compassion and concern for the many victims in the case was priceless.

GUILTY VERDICT IN TRIAL OF MAN CHARGED WITH INTENTIONALLY RUNNING DOWN A PEDESTRIAN WITH HIS TRUCK NEAR EASTPORT PLAZA. -03/14/25

3/13/25

A Multnomah County jury today convicted Frederick Moore on multiple charges connected to the death of a pedestrian on June 6, 2022. 

The jury convicted Moore of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver- in this count an injury was involved,  Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree and Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver- in this count property damage was involved.

THE FACTS:

On June 6, 2022, Vincent Timothy was walking northbound on SE 82nd Street. Frederick

Moore had already turned into the parking lot of Eastport Plaza. When Timothy emerged from behind some buildings, Moore moved his vehicle onto SE Center St and waited about 30 feet behind the stop sign. As Timothy began walking on the sidewalk near the truck, Moore quickly accelerated and struck Timothy, who was dragged under Moore’s GMC Canyon. Timothy sustained significant injuries. Moore continued to drive across the street, conducted a U-turn and returned now facing eastbound. Witness Todd Henderson saw the incident and began yelling at the driver that he had killed the man. Moore then accelerated and aimed the truck at Henderson. Henderson jumped out of the way, but his bicycle was run over by Moore’s truck. Moore conducted another U-Turn and exited his truck.  A citizen followed Moore’s vehicle and the license plate was relayed to 911. 

Portland Police Bureau Detectives quickly learned that the suspect vehicle was registered to Moore’s wife.  Detectives executed a search warrant on June 7, 2022 to seize the suspect truck.  Detectives noticed damage that corresponded to evidence left at the scene.  

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kyle-Castelli prosecuted the case for the state.

“It was an incredibly violent act– hitting someone with your truck then aiming for a witness who shouted at you, is shocking. We still don't have a reason for why this happened. It leaves the family with a lot of questions. The fact that he is already a convicted murderer whose sentence ended in 2018, just four years before this incident is astounding,” said Kyle-Castelli.

“This is incredibly tragic. The deceased victim’s family is kind. The victim that survived was dedicated to seeing justice for the deceased man he did not know. I hope these convictions give them some level of closure,” Kyle-Castelli said. 

The District Attorney’s office would like to thank DA Investigator Colby Painter, DA Investigator Kirk Tonkin, and, DA Victim’s Advocate Allison Miller who did a phenomenal job helping the family during this difficult time.  The District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank Portland Police Bureau Detective Eric McDaniel, who remained dedicated to seeking justice for the victims in this case.

Frederick Moore is in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced April 25, 2025 at 9am.

He faces a minimum of 10 years in prison.

GUILTY PLEA IN PORTLAND SHOOTING AND COVERUP LEADS TO 34 YEAR SENTENCE -03/12/25

Multnomah County Judge Heidi Moawad accepted a guilty plea this morning from Jacob Fitzgerald, 24 years old and sentenced him to 34 years in prison. 

He pled guilty to multiple crimes, resolving three separate cases in Multnomah County and one in Washington County. 

Fitzgerald pled guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree with a Firearm, Robbery in the First Degree and Assault in the Second Degree.

The Facts:
 

In the early morning of August 6th, 2022, Jacob Fitzgerald intentionally shot at Otis Abner multiple times, hit him once and killed him. 

Just before the shooting, Fitzgerald was driving in a car near Delta Park with his girlfriend at the time, and Otis Abner.

Police later learned that the two men were arguing, that the argument reached a

boiling point and Fitzgerald told Abner to get out of the car near 1130 N Schmeer Road. 

A witness said Fitzgerald drove a short distance away from  Abner, then shot at him multiple times from across the street. Abner was struck one time and died at the scene. Later that day Fitzgerald burned the vehicle associated with the homicide. 

Police were alerted to Abner’s death after two civilian witnesses found his body and called 911. Once on scene, law enforcement collected seven shell casings and surveillance footage from nearby businesses, including a Motel 6 and Interstate Rentals.

Eighteen months later, on February 11th, 2024, Fitzgerald went to the trailer where his past girlfriend, the only witness to the shooting death of Abner, was living with her new boyfriend. Once there, Fitzgerald fired several shots into the trailer, one of which hit the girlfriend in the face and the arm, injuring her.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Andrew MacMillan prosecuted the case.

“He’s a dangerous man who left a trail of destruction over the last few years. This is an unusually high sentence for a plea agreement but is just given the circumstances,” he said.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin assisted in the prosecution.

The District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank Washington County Deputy District Attorney Bryce Bissinger for his work on these cases, along with Portland Police Detective William Winters who led the investigation and Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate Nang Dunn for her kindness and compassion in helping the victims.

GUILTY VERDICT IN STARVATION CASE -03/11/25

On March 7, 2025, a Multnomah County jury found Jamie Strahm guilty of two counts of 
Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. One count was for withholding the necessary and adequate food from the victim, who was between the ages of seven and eight at the time. The other count was for withholding the necessary and adequate medical attention from the same victim.

The evidence presented at trial included the following facts:

Ms. Strahm started dating the victim’s father in 2014, assuming the role of primary caretaker for the victim after moving into the home. In 2015, the victim (then four years old) suffered an unexplained brain injury while in Ms. Strahm’s care. The victim was hospitalized for several weeks, and left the hospital with a G-tube. When discharged from the hospital, the victim was approximately 45 pounds and was in the 85th percentile for weight at that time. 

The victim failed to thrive while in Ms. Strahm’s care, and lost a significant amount of weight over the next few years. Ms. Strahm repeatedly told medical providers that the victim was unwilling to eat food by mouth, and claimed that she had been feeding the victim the required amount via G-tube. 

By April 25, 2018, the victim was at the 13th percentile for weight. Ms. Strahm failed to make a follow-up appointment with the victim’s registered dietician, and she cancelled or failed to show for a large number of the victim’s medical appointments over the ensuing eighteen months.

Ms. Strahm finally brought the victim in to see the registered dietitian on October 24, 2019. Although Ms. Strahm claimed to be feeding the victim 200% of his expected caloric needs, the victim was extremely thin and frail. Concerned by the victim’s appearance, the registered dietician made arrangements to ensure the victim would be admitted to Randall Children’s Hospital the following day. 

The victim weighed less than 40 pounds when admitted to the hospital and was suffering from refeeding syndrome. Over the span of more than four years in the defendant’s care, when he should have been gaining weight, the victim instead lost more than 10% of his total body weight.

Soon after being admitted to the hospital, the victim began eating food by mouth when Ms. Strahm was not in the same room. Ms. Strahm was banned from the hospital on November 14, 2019. Within one month, the victim gained 10 pounds and demonstrated that he did not need a G-tube to meet his nutritional needs. 

The jury found Jamie Strahm guilty on Count 1 of the indictment, Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. This count alleged that between April 25, 2018, and November 25, 2019, Jamie Strahm intentionally and knowingly withheld the necessary and adequate food from the victim, who was a dependent person. The jury also found Jamie Strahm guilty on Count 3 of the indictment, Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. This count alleged that Jamie Strahm intentionally and knowingly withheld the necessary and adequate medical attention from the victim during the same time period.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Rachna Hajari and Senior Deputy District Attorney Charles Mickley prosecuted the case for the State. They would like to thank Emma Kane for her work as a caring and compassionate victim’s advocate on this case. Most importantly, they express their thanks to the dedicated medical staff at Randall Children’s Hospital and CARES Northwest, who worked to save the victim’s life and protect the victim from Ms. Strahm.

Ms. Strahm is out of custody. Sentencing is set for March 28, 2025 at 8:30 am.

GUILTY VERDICT IN CASE INVOLVING MAN WHO SHOT AT PORTLAND POLICE (Photo) (resending To Show He Shot At Three Officers) -03/07/25

3/7/2025

A Multnomah County jury today convicted Joshua William Degerness (DOB 7/18/1982) on all counts including Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm for shooting at three Portland Police officers.  

A grand jury had indicted him December 17, 2021 on 14 different crimes including the Attempted Murder charges.

The Facts: 

On December 11, 2021, Officer Kenneth Jackson attempted a traffic stop on Joshua Degerness in the area of SE 92nd Avenue and SE Holgate Boulevard in Portland. Degerness successfully eluded Officer Jackson in his vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Officer Jackson re-encountered Degerness and conducted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver at SE 88th Avenue and SE Holgate Boulevard. Degerness’ vehicle crashed into a tree and was disabled. Officers gave commands to Degerness in an effort to arrest him, but he was uncooperative and refused to exit his vehicle. Pepper spray was deployed and Degerness pointed and fired a handgun at police officers. Officer Jackson and Acting Lieutenant Staples fired their handguns upon seeing Degerness aim his gun at them and Sergeant Justin Damerville. Degerness sustained gunshot wounds and survived his injuries.

“The violence at the center of this case could have resulted in a tragedy and I am relieved it did not,” PPB Chief Bob Day said. “I am grateful for justice. I commend our investigators and the District Attorney’s Office for their thorough work.”

 Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero prosecuted the case for the state.

 “This case is a clear example of the dangers often faced by our law enforcement partners,” she said. 

“Even the simplest traffic stop can turn into a deadly encounter. We’re thankful there was no loss of life in this instance - but it highlights how quickly things can go wrong”.

“We’re thankful to the officers for their work and dedication to public safety. Our office is dedicated to holding accountable those who would do them harm,” Marrero said. 

Sentencing in the case is set for April 3rd at 1:30pm. 

The mandatory minimum sentence for Attempted Murder in the First Degree is 90 months. Degerness is convicted on three counts of that charge and a judge could order the 90 months be run consecutively. 

We've included the PC Affadavit and the indictment from the case.

MAN WHO STOLE TOW TRUCK SENTENCED TO 82 MONTHS PRISON -03/03/25

February 3, 2025

Multnomah County Judge Christopher Ramras sentenced Eric Clayton Strietzel today to a total of 82 months in prison for stealing a tow truck in Portland and driving it onto the freeway with the truck's driver hanging on in the back of the truck. 

Here is our earlier release after he was convicted. Opening arguments in the trial included extensive video from inside the truck as it was being driven.

January 24, 2025

Today, the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office announced that a jury found Eric Clayton Strietzel, 38, guilty on multiple charges in relation to a July 2023 incident in which he stole a tow truck and recklessly drove up to 84 miles per hour with the operator of the truck hanging onto the back, endangering the operator's life and the lives of others on the road.

Trial & Verdict

Deputy District Attorney Chris Shull represented the state at trial, which took place from January 21 through 24, 2025 in front of Judge Leslie Bottomly. This afternoon, the 12-person jury returned from its deliberations. Though acquitted by the jury on the charges of Robbery in the First Degree and Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Strietzel was found guilty on the following:

• One count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class B Felony),

• Two counts of Assault in the Third Degree (Class C Felony),

• Unlawful Use of a Vehicle (Class C Felony),

• Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (Class C Felony),

• Theft in the First Degree (Class C Felony),

• Four counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Class A Misdemeanor),

• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), and

• Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver (Class A Misdemeanor)

As a result of the jury's finding, Strietzel faces at least the statutorily imposed minimum sentence of 70 months in prison. Sentencing has been set for February 21, 2025. About the verdict, DDA Chris Shull said, "I think the jury took the evidence seriously and returned a verdict that reflected the seriousness of the defendant's conduct. They concluded this wasn't just reckless but that Mr. Stritzel knew he was going to cause physical injury to Mr. Christ. Mr. Christ could have easily been killed in the course of this driving."

The Multnomah County District Attorney's office would like to acknowledge the work of all who contributed to the resolution of this case. We would like to express our appreciation for PPB Sergeants DiMatteo and Kenney, as well as MCDA victim advocates Nang Dunn and Suzanne Rapagnani for their dedicated work on this case.

JURY FINDS MAN GUILTY IN ATTEMPTED MURDER OF TWO PORTLAND POLICE OFFICERS -resending To Add Comment From Portland Police Chief Bob Day -03/03/25

3/3/2025

A Multnomah County jury found Christian Daniel Fitz-Henry guilty today of two counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree for trying to kill two Portland Police sergeants. 

The jury also convicted him of two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Interfering with a Peace Officer.

The Facts:

In 2021 Fitz-Henry was on the run from a robbery that happened October 1st. In that incident the victim was killed. On November 13th, law enforcement learned Fitz-Henry planned to commit another robbery. Police went to the hotel where Fitz-Henry was staying with his girlfriend. As the two drove away, police put down spike strips to disable their vehicle. The vehicle eventually stopped. Fitz-Henry ran south and the girlfriend ran north. Police pursued them. Fitz-Henry ran into a driveway area between two buildings. Portland Police Sergeants Kimberly Hubbard and John Billard followed in their patrol car. As the officers turned into the driveway area Fitz-Henry shot at them three times with a .45 caliber gun from a distance of 30 feet to 15 feet as the car rolled closer. 

Fortunately, neither officer was injured.

"This violent act toward officers as they were initiating a traffic stop could have easily injured or killed them," said Chief Bob Day. "I am thankful to our investigators and the District Attorney's Office for their thorough work to bring about justice in this case."

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Shawn Overstreet prosecuted the case. 

He said: "This is justice for our police officers. They are people with families and kids and even grandkids, people at home who worry about them every day. This defendant was willing to kill two police officers just to stay on the run for another day. I'm thankful the jury is holding him accountable for his actions." 

Fitz-Henry will be sentenced April 18th at 3pm.

JURY FINDS MAN GUILTY IN ATTEMPTED MURDER OF TWO PORTLAND POLICE OFFICERS -03/03/25

3/3/2025

A Multnomah County jury found Christian Daniel Fitz-Henry guilty today of two counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree for trying to kill two Portland Police sergeants. 

The jury also convicted him of two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Interfering with a Peace Officer.

The Facts:

In 2021 Fitz-Henry was on the run from a robbery that happened October 1st. In that incident the victim was killed. On November 13th, law enforcement learned Fitz-Henry planned to commit another robbery. Police went to the hotel where Fitz-Henry was staying with his girlfriend. As the two drove away, police put down spike strips to disable their vehicle. The vehicle eventually stopped. Fitz-Henry ran south and the girlfriend ran north. Police pursued them. Fitz-Henry ran into a driveway area between two buildings. Portland Police Sergeants Kimberly Hubbard and John Billard followed in their patrol car. As the officers turned into the driveway area Fitz-Henry shot at them three times with a .45 caliber gun from a distance of 30 feet to 15 feet as the car rolled closer. 

Fortunately, neither officer was injured.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Shawn Overstreet prosecuted the case. 

He said: "This is justice for our police officers. They are people with families and kids and even grandkids, people at home who worry about them every day. This defendant was willing to kill two police officers just to stay on the run for another day. I'm thankful the jury is holding him accountable for his actions." 

Fitz-Henry will be sentenced April 18th at 3pm

20 YEARS PRISON SENTENCE FOR STRANGER ON STRANGER KILLING IN GRESHAM -03/03/25

Friday, Feb 28, 2025 Multnomah County Judge Heidi Moawad sentenced Luke William Gentry to 20 years in prison after he pled guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Facts:

On November 22, 2023, Gresham police responded to NE Hogan Drive at NE 19th Street, and found victim Justin Corniel-Tapec struggling to breathe and bleeding profusely from his neck.  Officers observed multiple stab wounds in Corniel-Tapec's neck and shoulder area.   The victim died from his injuries on November 29, 2023.

Responding officers canvassed the surrounding area for video surveillance cameras and managed to find footage of a man appearing to flee the crime scene close in time to the stabbing. 

Gresham Detective Tyson Conroy recognized the man as Luke Gentry because he'd spoken to him a few months prior while investigating an unrelated case.

Detective Conroy remembered that Gentry lived out of a blue Chevrolet Tahoe and the detective had the license plate number. He forwarded that information to other officers who were able to locate the vehicle with Gentry inside and he was eventually arrested.

Multnomah County Senior District Attorney Kevin Demer prosecuted the case on behalf of the state. We would also like to acknowledge and thank victim advocate Rocio Peguero for their hard work on this case.