December 17, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that a Multnomah County jury found Dwayne Rayshon Driver, 29, guilty on multiple counts related to a March 2023 shooting in downtown Portland.
Case Facts
On March 18, 2023, multiple Portland Police Bureau officers were dispatched to a shooting at the Chevron gas station at southwest Burnside and 4th Avenue. An adult male victim was found unconscious in the parking lot behind Dante's Theater suffering from gunshot wounds to the stomach, thigh, and left arm. Officers applied a tourniquet and chest seal before AMR transported the victim to the hospital. The victim underwent emergency surgery and remained hospitalized for several weeks.
Officers located a total of six 9mm shell casings. Security footage from the Chevron showed a silver Audi SUV arrive in the parking lot and park near a party bus. A male was seen exiting the Audi’s passenger seat as he attempted to conceal a firearm. The male approached the bus as multiple occupants exited. The footage showed the male step into the bus and fire his gun multiple times. The male then ran back to the silver Audi before driving away.
Multiple police and probation officers recognized the shooter as Dwayne Driver. Detectives observed a silver Audi SUV parked at the Defendant’s home and obtained a search warrant for his residence. The search of Defendant’s home uncovered clothing consistent with that of the shooter on video. Driver was arrested on April 13, 2023 and has since remained in custody.
Trial & Verdict
Deputy District Attorneys Eric Palmer and Mackenzie Ludwig represented the state at trial, which took place from December 9 through 12, 2024 in front of Judge Kelly Skye. On December 11, 2024, the court found Driver guilty on one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and a 12-person jury delivered a guilty verdict on the remaining charges on December 12, 2024, finding Driver guilty of:
Driver remains in custody pending sentencing, yet to be scheduled. This is Driver’s second conviction for attempted murder, his first being a 2014 case out of Washington County (C141235CR).
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 the PPB Enhanced Community Safety Team, as well as MCDA victim advocate Julie Jacobs.
#MCDA#
December 9, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Nathan Darren Isenberg, 21, was sentenced to 114 months in prison after being found guilty on charges related to an attempted vehicle theft and shooting in the Mill Park neighborhood in April 2023.
Case Facts
On April 17, 2023, Portland Police Bureau dispatched officers to a reported shooting near NE Caruthers St. and NE 124th Avenue, where they located an adult male victim who had been shot in the abdomen, sustaining serious injuries. The victim’s stepson had witnessed the shooting and reported that the victim had been shot when confronting two individuals who he had seen breaking into his stepson’s parked vehicle. Latent fingerprints later recovered from the vehicle by law enforcement were determined to be a match for Nathan Isenberg.
Trial and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorneys Eric Palmer and Elena Langer represented the state in this case. On December 4, 2024, a judge returned a guilty verdict on attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, and criminal mischief in the second degree. On Friday, December 6, 2024, Isenberg was sentenced by Judge Melvin Oden-Orr to 114 months and an additional 3 years of post-prison supervision. He has been transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections, where he will remain for the duration of his sentence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the impact of this offense on the victim and his family, as well as the broader community. We extend our appreciation to all who contributed to this resolution and would like to add a special note of thanks to Portland Police Bureau Detective Brian Dale and MCDA victim advocate Julie Jacobs for their dedicated work on this case.
#MCDA#
December 5, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Gregory Whitson, 43, was sentenced by a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge to 100 months in prison and ordered to pay over $130,000 in restitution in relation to a number of incidents of burglary and theft in the downtown area since 2022. This sentencing resolves five criminal cases against Whitson: 24CR12529, 23CR20422, 23CR10628, 23CR10370, and 22CR53262.
Case Facts
Between 2022 and 2024, Whitson burglarized, stole, and destroyed the property of numerous individuals and businesses throughout Portland. His burglary and theft scheme was sophisticated and prolific. In case 23CR20422, Whitson broke into the Dossier Hotel after scouting the building by forcing open the secured garage and breaking the electronic scan pad. Once inside, he forced open a key box to take a janitorial master key that opened a secured door inside the building. From there, he stole from numerous offices inside the building. In 24CR12529, Whitson forced entry into an apartment building at SW College Street by prying open the call box and manipulating the front door. When he was apprehended by police in March of 2024, police found various burglary tools in his backpack. Whitson’s crimes include more than just burglaries of buildings. In 23CR20422, he stole a car accident victim’s cell phone while the victim was attempting to push his car out of the street. He then used the phone to make multiple purchases, explicitly under the name “Gregory Whitson.” By the time he was held in custody pending his trials, Whitson was charged with 74 counts, with more than 48 of those counts involving either distinct episodes or victims.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Leslie Wu represented the state in this case. A plea was negotiated to resolve the various pending criminal cases against Whitson at open sentencing, and today, Judge Cheryl Albrecht sentenced Whitson to 100 months. Additionally, Whitson has been ordered to pay over $130,000 in restitution to his victims. He has been transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections, where he will remain for the duration of his sentence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the effect of such offending on both individuals and businesses and would like to express our appreciation for all who contributed to the resolution of this case. A special thank you to officers from Portland Police Bureau's central precinct who did significant work to solve the cases and who testified at sentencing about the impact the defendant had on the downtown community.
#MCDA#
December 3, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today released the 2024 Multnomah County Corrections Grand Jury Report. Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 132.440 requires an annual grand jury inquiry into the condition and management of every adult and youth correctional facility in the county. These facilities are:
The court selected seven jurors to serve as the Corrections Grand Jury (CGJ). They spent over 100 hours touring facilities, receiving sworn testimony, and compiling their report. This year the CGJ focused on a wide scope of issues including staffing, facility maintenance, compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act, access to treatment and programming, meals, medical services, and safety.
“The Corrections Grand Jury is an important, independent practice that gives the community an understanding of the operations and conditions of our local correctional facilities,” said DA Schmidt. “The result is recommendations for improving the effectiveness of those facilities, while also reflecting the values and expectations of the community. I would like to thank the facility leadership and staff who assisted this year’s grand jury and to specifically recognize Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell for her commitment to transparency and to working with local, state, and federal partners to achieve health and safety goals.”
A full copy of the grand jury report, in compliance with ORS 132.440, can be obtained on the MCDA website. Sheriff Nicole Morissey O’Donnell’s response is also available.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the seven grand jurors for their dedicated efforts. Furthermore, we recognize Multnomah County Deputy District Attorneys Jeffrey Lowe and Travis Sewell for assisting and advising the CGJ.
#MCDA#
November 26, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced Teddy Wayne Hall, Sr. to 240 months for the November 2022 shooting death of Raja McCallister in southeast Portland’s Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood.
Case Facts
On November 23, 2022, Portland Police Bureau responded to reports of a shooting at the Cora Park Apartments located at 4207 SE 37th Avenue. Arriving officers located an adult male victim, Raja McCallister, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite first responders’ attempts to save his life, McCallister was declared deceased at the scene. Multiple witnesses stated that McCallister, a resident of the Cora Park Apartments, had been arguing about parking spaces with Teddy Wayne Hall Sr., the boyfriend of another resident, when Hall pulled a gun and shot McCallister four times.
Video of the incident corroborated witness accounts, showing Hall, his girlfriend, and the victim arguing in the parking lot before Hall is seen walking towards McCallister and pulling a gun out of his pocket. Hall points the gun at McCallister's side, before a muzzle flash is seen from the gun. The camera is dropped and three more shots are heard on the video. A few hours after the incident, Hall was located and taken into custody. In later interviews with law enforcement, Hall stated that despite McCallister not having any weapons, and not threatening him nor physically assaulting him, he had felt threatened and shot him four times.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorneys Aileen Santoyo and Maddie Loeb handled prosecution for the state. On November 25, 2024, Hall pled guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Judge Christopher Marshall sentenced Hall to 240 months.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office acknowledges the profound loss felt by the family and friends of Raja McCallister, and would like to thank all who contributed to the collaborative resolution of these cases, specifically Scott Broughton, MCDA Investigators Matt Estes and Anthony Merrill, and Victim Advocate Hope Hansmeyer.
November 25, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Thursday, November 21, a Multnomah County jury found Laura Marie Patterson, 48, guilty of crimes stemming from a November 2023 incident wherein she fired shots into the ceiling of the terminal of the Portland International Airport (PDX).
Case Facts
On November 14, 2023, Port of Portland Police responded to a report of gunshots at the D/E checkpoint of PDX. Witnesses to the incident reported that a woman, identified as Laura Patterson, fired two rounds into the ceiling of the D/E checkpoint with a handgun before placing the gun on the ground and awaiting arrest. At the scene, officers located Patterson who immediately admitted firing the shots and taking her into custody. Patterson told officers and detectives she shot at the lights/ceiling. One bullet struck a glass window of the ceiling causing $7,900 worth of damage and that area was under active construction and repair work that night.
In interviews with law enforcement, Patterson told detectives that she felt compelled to drive from her residence in Kennewick, Washington and come to PDX. Patterson told detectives that she fired her gun off so someone would stop her from killing family members who live out of state. Patterson denied she intended to fly out from PDX. Patterson told detectives about the routes of travel, means, and methods she would have taken to travel to kill her family members. Review of surveillance showed Patterson arrive and sit for hours in front of the ticket counters nearby the checkpoint before proceeding into the checkpoint area and shooting. Further investigation revealed Patterson was in possession of multiple changes of clothes, camping gear, cold weather gear, 100 additional rounds of ammunition for the firearm, her passport, multiple expired driver's licenses from different states belonging to Patterson, and several sets of license plates from different states registered to Patterson.
Trial & Verdict
Deputy District Attorney Anthony Dundon and Deputy District Attorney Noah Berg represented the state at trial, which took place from November 18 through November 21, 2024 in front of Judge Benjamin Souede. A jury rendered its verdict on Thursday, November 21, finding Patterson guilty of the following crimes:
Patterson remains in custody pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for December 19, 2024.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the efforts of all who contributed to the resolution of this case and our appreciation for the work of the Port of Portland Police including Det. Catherine Hartless, Det. Kit Lommen, Capt. Jeremy Hepp, Ofc. Grant Thommen, Ofc. Jack Dunteman, and Sgt. Peter Brenner, as well as MCDA victim advocate Alex Bidwell, who supported the victims throughout this process.
#MCDA#
November 22, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County jury found Jaylon Jamall Benjamin, 30, guilty on all counts for the October 2023 car crash that killed James and Lisa Johnson in Northeast Portland.
Case Facts
On October 28, 2023, while driving a U-Haul pick-up truck eastbound on NE Lombard, Jaylon Benjamin hit a black SUV driven by James and Lisa Johnson which was in the westbound lane attempting to turn onto 33rd Ave. Witnesses to the incident estimated the U-Haul being driven by Benjamin was driving at least 80 mph. The speed limit on Lombard is 45 mph. Both James and Lisa Johnson died at the scene due to their injuries. Despite Benjamin's claim that he was driving only 55 miles per hour, airbag control module data from the U-Haul shows he was in fact driving 100 miles per hour just two seconds before the crash, and then applied brakes one second before the crash, slowing to 80 miles per hour at the time of impact.
Trial & Verdict
Deputy District Attorneys Chris Shull and Abbie Tornquist represented the state at trial, which took place from November 18 through November 21, 2024 in front of Judge Ryan Thomas. A 12-person jury delivered the verdict yesterday, Thursday, November 21, finding Benjamin guilty on all counts. He was convicted of:
Benjamin remains in custody pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for December 19, 2024.
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 Major Crash Team lead investigator Chase Fullington, as well as MCDA victim advocates Rebecca Leediker and Lyssa Simmons.
#MCDA#
November 21, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Jason Robert Steiner, 34, was arraigned on murder, attempted murder, and unlawful use of a weapon charges stemming from the October shooting at La Mota dispensary in North Portland.
Case Facts
Details of the case can be found in the Affidavit of Probable Cause.
Today, Steiner was arraigned in front of Judge Shelley Russell on the following charges:
He pleaded not guilty on all counts. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and Steiner is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
November 20, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Eric Douglas Alexander, 42, was arraigned on attempted murder, arson, stalking, and endangerment charges stemming from the prolonged harassment of a former intimate partner and the arson of the home of her employers.
Case Facts
In mid-October 2024, a friend of Alexander reported his extremely concerning threats towards a prior partner online to law enforcement. The previous partner recently moved to Portland from out of state and reported Alexander followed her to Oregon. Alexander posted on various social media platforms threatening extreme violence towards her, those around her, and women in general. Alexander continued to threaten and harass her even after she ceased communication.
On November 7, 2024, shortly after midnight, Portland Police Bureau officers were dispatched to the residence of the victim’s employer home on a report of a house fire. There were two adults and two children asleep when the fire began. All were able to safely escape the home. Following an arson investigation, it was determined the fire had been intentionally set. Later that morning, Alexander sent an email taking credit for the fire and warned the violence would not stop.
Today, Wednesday November 20, 2024, Alexander was arraigned in front of Judge Steffan Alexander on the following charges:
He pleaded not guilty on all counts. An Indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and Alexander is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Special thanks to PPB SVU Officer Huntley Miller and PPB Lieutenant Jason Andersen for their work on the investigation.
#MCDA#