May 3, 2024

PORTLAND, Oregon – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released a list of cases impacted by the public defense crisis. The list includes felony cases dismissed by the JC3 court as a result of the crisis. 

In November, DA Mike Schmidt called the public defense crisis– defined by a lack of public defenders to provide counsel to defendants– an urgent threat to public safety. Individuals charged with a crime have a constitutional right to defense counsel. Victims have a right to justice. Absent counsel, criminal prosecutions cannot lawfully move forward, and throughout the counsel shortage, cases issued by the office have been routinely dismissed over prosecutors’ objections.

DA Schmidt also declared that MCDA would publish cases dismissed due to the crisis each week to increase transparency and advance the public’s understanding of the scope of the crisis. Here is an updated breakdown of the types of felonies getting dismissed.

There were 27 cases dismissed by the court as a result of the public defense crisis between 4/19/24 and 5/2/24:

#MCDA#

A Multnomah County grand jury has returned a not true bill for the fatal shooting of Tyrone Lee Johnson II, 33, on December 27, 2023. Upon the conclusion of the presentation of evidence, the grand jury returned the not true bill on May 1, finding the use of force by Portland Police Officers John Bartlett, Adi Ramic, and Brian Wheeler that resulted in Johnson’s death was not criminal under Oregon law. 

Previously released information regarding this incident can be found here. 

Pursuant to ORS 132.270, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office will file a motion and request that the court authorize the release of a grand jury transcript for public review. If the Court grants the motion, MCDA will post the transcript on its website.

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Update: Keenan Harpole Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for 2022 Domestic Violence Homicide

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced Keenan Reece Harpole, 22, to 23 years in prison for the 2022 fatal shooting of his girlfriend, Portland State University student Amara Marluke.

Incident

On Monday, April 4, 2022, at 1:00 a.m., Portland Police officers were dispatched to a report of a shooting near Southwest College Street and Southwest 6th Avenue near PSU. When officers arrived they located an adult female who was deceased; she was later identified as Amara Marluke, 19. The Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined Marluke died from gunshot wounds and ruled her death a homicide.

Through a law enforcement investigation, the suspect was identified as Keenan Harpole – Marluke’s boyfriend and a fellow PSU student. Police located Harpole in Bend, and members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested and transported him back to Portland, where he was released to Portland Police Bureau Homicide Detectives. He was lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center.

Plea & Sentencing

Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin represented the state in this case, which resulted in a negotiated plea agreement with the defendant and his counsel. Judge Christopher Marshall accepted the plea and sentenced Harpole on April 15, 2024 as follows:

• 240 months for one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree with a Firearm - Constituting Domestic Violence
• 36 months consecutive for one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon - Constituting Domestic Violence

Additionally, Harpole will serve two years of post-prison supervision. He is currently in the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections where he is serving his sentence.

The DA’s Office wishes to thank the Portland Police Bureau officers and detectives who assisted with this case, as well as the victim advocate who supported Ms. Marluke’s family. It is hoped that the resolution of this case will allow Ms. Marluke’s family and friends to move forward in the grieving process and find some peace. 

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*Original Message (4/14/2022)* 

DA Mike Schmidt announces arraignment of suspect in fatal shooting of 19-year-old woman

PORTLAND, Oregon – Today Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Keenan Harpole, 20, has been arraigned on two charges including Murder in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Both charges are designated as constituting domestic violence. 

The charges stem from a fatal shooting that took place on April 4, 2022, near Southwest College Street and Southwest 6th Avenue. The victim was 19-year old Amara Marluke. Later that day, Harpole was arrested in Bend, Oregon after agreeing to turn himself in to authorities. Harpole is currently in custody at the Multnomah County Jail without bail. No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time. 

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

#MCDA#

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released the following statement today:

“The destruction occurring at demonstrations tonight is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Damaging property, making threats, and perpetrating violence are not acceptable, meaningful, or productive ways to make a point. These are destructive behaviors that harm community members and local businesses. 

“My office stands ready to prosecute cases related to these activities after reviewing evidence gathered and provided to us by law enforcement.”

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CORRECTION: There was an incorrect name listed in the original release, which has now been updated in red. MCDA regrets the error.

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County jury delivered a guilty verdict for Quentin Blackmon, 43, for the 2020 fatal shooting of Thomas Hammond, 66, in northeast Portland. 

Incident

On August 20, 2020 at approximately 4:04 p.m., Portland Police officers responded to the 4300 block of Northeast 90th Avenue on reports of a shooting. When officers arrived on scene, they found evidence of gunfire and a victim, later identified as Thomas Hammond. The investigation revealed that Blackmon used a firearm to carjack Hammond and that in the course of the robbery, Blackmon shot and killed Hammond. The Oregon State Medical Examiner determined the cause of Hammond's death was a gunshot wound and the manner of death a homicide. 

Officers arrested Blackmon on October 2, 2020. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center where he has been held ever since. He pled not guilty in this case.

Trial & Verdict

The trial took place in front of Judge Kelly Skye from April 15-30, with Senior Deputy District Attorney JR Ujifusa and Deputy District Attorney Chris Shull as prosecutors. The 12-person jury delivered the verdict on April 30, finding Blackmon guilty of:

• One count of Manslaughter in the First Degree
• One count of Robbery in the First Degree
• One count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Firearm)
• One count of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle

In a bifurcated court trial on May 1, the court also found Blackmon guilty of one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 23 at 1 p.m. in front of Judge Skye. 

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanks Det. Ryan Foote and the Portland Police Bureau for their assistance with this case.

Pending Murder Case

Blackmon has a separate case pending for the murder of Michael Epps. That case is also being prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney JR Ujifusa and Deputy District Attorney Chris Shull, and is scheduled for trial in September 2024.

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Donna Morriss

A suspect in various identity thefts and forgeries over the course of the past few years has been arrested, and the DA’s office is asking other victims to come forward. 

Donna Marie Morriss, 47, has been indicted on four separate cases by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office (MCDA) totaling 46 charges, including 15 counts of Aggravated Identity Theft, nine counts of Felony Computer Crime, eight counts of Forgery in the First Degree, four counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, and four counts of Theft in the First Degree. She was arrested by Portland Police on an outstanding warrant on April 3, 2024, and is currently in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center.

The four indicted cases involved key information provided to MCDA by Multnomah County Adult Protective Services, which investigates allegations of abuse, self-neglect, and financial exploitation of seniors and people with disabilities. A number of the indicted charges are supported by allegations that the victims were vulnerable. Victims who are vulnerable include the elderly and disabled adults. 

Investigators believe there may be additional victims. As further investigation is underway, investigators encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Morriss’ to email damailbox@mcda.us, using the subject line Donna Morriss. 

MCDA thanks the many partners who are assisting with these cases, including the Portland Police Bureau, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Multnomah County Adult Protective Services, Rivermark Community Credit Union, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 

Morriss is only accused of committing a crime. She is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

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Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County jury delivered a guilty verdict for Phillip Lawrence Nelson, 42, for the 2020 fatal stabbing of two people in Northeast Portland.  

Incident

On June 16, 2020, at 3:44 p.m., Portland Police officers responded to a report of a stabbing in the 1400 block of Northeast Davis Street. Officers arrived and located two victims – Najaf “Nate” Hobbs, who died at the scene, and Cassy Leaton, who later died at the hospital. The suspect – later identified as Phillip Lawrence Nelson – had fled the scene before officers arrived.

On June 18, 2020, PPB located and arrested Nelson. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center, where he has been held ever since. 

Trial & Verdict

The trial took place in front of Judge Eric Dahlin from April 8-26, with Deputy District Attorney Rachna Hajari and Senior Deputy District Attorney Amanda Nadell as prosecutors. The 12-person jury delivered the verdict on April 26, finding Nelson guilty of:

• One count of Murder in the Second Degree (victim Cassy Leaton)
• One count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (victim Najaf Hobbs) 

Sentencing is scheduled for May 24 at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Dahlin. 

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanks the Portland Police Bureau for their assistance with this case.

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Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County jury delivered a guilty verdict for Phillip Lawrence Nelson, 42, for the 2020 fatal stabbing of two people in Northeast Portland.  

Incident

On June 16, 2020, at 3:44 p.m., Portland Police officers responded to a report of a stabbing in the 1400 block of Northeast Davis Street. Officers arrived and located two victims – Najaf “Nate” Hobbs, who died at the scene, and Cassy Leaton, who later died at the hospital. The suspect – later identified as Phillip Lawrence Nelson – had fled the scene before officers arrived.

On June 18, 2020, PPB located and arrested Nelson. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center, where he has been held ever since. 

Trial & Verdict

The trial took place in front of Judge Eric Dahlin from April 8-26, with Deputy District Attorney Rachna Hajari and Senior Deputy District Attorney Amanda Nadell as prosecutors. The 12-person jury delivered the verdict on April 26, finding Nelson guilty of:

• One count of Murder in the Second Degree (victim Cassy Leaton)
• One count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (victim Najaf Hobbs) 

Sentencing is scheduled for May 24 at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Dahlin. 

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanks the Portland Police Bureau for their assistance with this case.

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On Friday, April 26, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Ramras sentenced Christopher Lovrien, 56, to life in prison after 26 years served. Friday’s sentencing follows an April 15th verdict where a jury found Lovrien guilty of the 2020 murder of Kenneth Griffin. 

The trial took place in front of Judge Christopher Ramras from April 8-15, with Chief Deputy District Attorney Kirsten Snowden and Deputy District Attorney Maggie Burgess as prosecutors. Deputy District Attorney Mackenzie Ludwig also provided assistance. The 12-person jury delivered the verdict on April 15, finding Lovrien guilty of one count of Murder in the Second Degree and one count of Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree.

At the time Lovrien was indicted for the murder of Griffin, he was also indicted for the murder of Mark Dribin – a 1999 cold case that was solved using genetic genealogy. That case resolved through a negotiated plea agreement, and Lovrien was sentenced on January 12, 2024, to 20 years in prison for one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree. 

Judge Ramras ordered that the sentences for the murder and abuse of a corpse of Griffin run consecutively to the manslaughter conviction for killing Dribin. As a result, Lovrien will not be eligible to apply for parole until he has served 46 years in prison.

The DA’s Office thanks Victim Advocate Cecilia Delao for her hard work with the families of both victims, as well as Portland Police Bureau Detectives Brendan McGuire and Scott Broughton and MCDA Investigators Robbie Thompson and Anthony Merrill for their assistance with this case and helping bring justice to the families of Mr. Griffin and Mr. Dribin. Friday’s resolution is the result of strong collaboration and tenacity, and it is hoped that the families can now find some peace.

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*Original Message (3/10/2021)*

Christopher Lovrien charged with two homicides, other murder victims suspected

PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that the grand jury indicted 53-year-old Christopher Lovrien with the homicides of Mark Dribin and Kenneth Griffin.

Arraignment in this case is expected to be held March 11, 2021 at approximately 9:30 a.m. PT in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

These alleged murders are being investigated by the Portland Police Bureau’s Cold Case Homicide Detail, the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

Both the Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office are asking for the public’s help to determine whether there are any additional homicide victims, attempted homicide victims or community members with information about these cases.

Lovrien is charged with two counts of murder in the second degree, one count of abuse of a corpse in the first degree and six counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Law enforcement believes both killings to be stranger-related as there is no known connection between Lovrien, Dribin or Griffin.

Investigators have reason to believe that there may be additional homicide victims based on evidence found at the residence of Lovrien.

Based on known information, the Portland Police Bureau’s Cold Case Homicide Detail would like to speak with anyone with information about missing persons who may have been living under the Interstate 205 bridge in Southeast Portland between summer 2019 and May 2020 and had contact with Lovrien or anyone with any additional information regarding the charged offenses. 

“I want to acknowledge and thank the detectives of the Portland Police Bureau and the forensic scientists at the Oregon State Police for refusing to give up on cold case homicides. Time will never stand in the way of justice. The families and friends of those murdered never forget – and neither will we,” said District Attorney Mike Schmidt.   

The following timeline is being provided as part of the ongoing criminal investigation and to help generate tips from the public.

When law enforcement executed its search warrant at Lovrein’s residence on May 06, 2020, they found six firearms, including two .9mm caliber pistols, a .40 caliber pistol, a .357 caliber revolver and two .223 caliber rifles.  

The families of Kenneth Griffin and Mark Dribin are requesting privacy and do not want media contact. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is asking media refrain from contacting either family.

No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.

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

Anyone with information regarding these investigations should contact Portland Police Detective Brendan McGuire at (503) 823-0869 or Brendan.McGuire@portlandoregon.gov or PPB Detective Scott Broughton at (503) 823-3774 or Scott.Broughton@portlandoregon.gov.

#MCDA#

CORRECTION: The original release identified two detectives with incorrect agencies; the release has now been updated. MCDA regrets the error.

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Janeice Renee Downs, 24, has been indicted on 16 theft charges totaling over $56,000 in stolen goods from a local retailer. This case is being investigated and prosecuted by the Organized Retail Theft Task Force. 

Upon review of the evidence, the Task Force presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on April 22, 2024, for the following charges:

• Six counts of Organized Retail Theft
• Three counts of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree
• Seven counts of Theft in the First Degree

In addition, Downs has been accused of more than $400,000 in retail theft in Washington State, and she faces further charges in Multnomah and other Oregon counties. She is currently in custody in King County, Washington (under the name Janeice Smith). 

The DA’s Office would like to thank multiple law enforcement partners for their assistance in this case, including Detective Andrew Hearst with the Portland Police Bureau, Detective Jeffry Christiansen with the Bellevue Police Department, and Detective Nyla Poulson with the Tigard Police Department.

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

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February 19, 2024

PORTLAND, Oregon – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released a list of cases impacted by the public defense crisis. The list includes felony cases dismissed by the JC3 court as a result of the crisis. 

In November, DA Mike Schmidt called the public defense crisis– defined by a lack of public defenders to provide counsel to defendants– an urgent threat to public safety. Individuals charged with a crime have a constitutional right to defense counsel. Victims have a right to justice. Absent counsel, criminal prosecutions cannot lawfully move forward, and throughout the counsel shortage, cases issued by the office have been routinely dismissed over prosecutors’ objections.

DA Schmidt also declared that MCDA would publish cases dismissed due to the crisis each week to increase transparency and advance the public’s understanding of the scope of the crisis. Here is an updated breakdown of the types of felonies getting dismissed.

There were 9 cases dismissed by the court as a result of the public defense crisis between 4/12/24 and 4/18/24:

23-CR-57815

24-CR-01392

23-CR-58332

22-CR-41672

23-CR-49112

23-CR-58974

24-CR-03333

23-CR-40084

23-CR-59334

#MCDA#

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office (MCDA) today published transcripts of the grand jury proceedings in the death investigation of Matthew Holland.

Upon the grand jury’s return of a “not true bill” in this matter, MCDA filed a motion with the presiding court to create and release a transcript of the recorded grand jury proceedings pursuant to ORS 132.260(1). The transcripts are available on MCDA’s website:

• Grand Jury Testimony 3/15/2024
• Grand Jury Testimony 3/18/2024
• Grand Jury Testimony 3/20/2024

MCDA has no additional comment on this matter.

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*Original Message (3/21/24)*

Grand Jury Returns Not True Bill in January 2024 Fatal Shooting by a Portland Police Officer

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury returned a not true bill for the fatal shooting of Matthew Lee Holland, 31, on January 14, 2024. Upon the conclusion of the presentation of evidence, the grand jury returned the not true bill yesterday, finding the use of force by Portland Police Officer Joshua Howery that resulted in Lee’s death was not criminal under Oregon law. 

Previously released information regarding this incident can be found here. 

Pursuant to ORS 132.270, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office will file a motion and request that the court authorize the release of a grand jury transcript for public review. If the Court grants the motion, MCDA will post the transcript on its website.

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April 15, 2024

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Antony Kassab, 20, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of Murder II and Unlawful Use of a Weapon related to the stabbing death of Cody Funk, 35, in Gresham on December 26, 2023. Kassab is also presently charged with the stabbing assault and attempted murder of another victim on February 9, 2024 (24-CR-09504).

Case Facts

On the morning of December 26, 2023, Gresham Police were notified of an unresponsive individual found near the intersection of SE 190^th Ave. and SE Division St. The victim–quickly determined to be Cody Funk– had been experiencing homelessness at the time of his murder. An autopsy indicated that he had died from multiple stab wounds. Investigators with the Gresham Police Department and the East Multnomah County Major Crimes Team diligently collected and reviewed evidence in the case to identify a suspect.

Indictment

The case was referred to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for review. Upon consideration of the evidence provided by law enforcement, DDA Sean Hughey presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on April 12, 2024, for the following charges:

• Murder II 
• Unlawful use of a weapon
   

Please note that a charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Kassab is innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

April 15, 2024

On April 11, 2024, Joseph Beard, 52, was convicted on charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle (UUV), possession of a stolen vehicle (PSV), and theft I related to the Auto Theft Task Force’s work to address the issue of automobile theft in Multnomah County. This conviction stems from an ongoing large-scale investigation, dubbed “Operation MistleTow'' by the Auto Theft Task Force and Portland Police Bureau.

Law enforcement’s investigation revealed that Maters Auto Recycling–the company with which Beard was affiliated–had a history of falsifying purchase paperwork for stolen vehicles before selling them to Rivergate Scrap Metal. Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office investigators identified dozens of vehicles that had been sold by Maters Auto Recycling to Rivergate, many of which were crushed shortly after being sold. 

In December 2023, a woman witnessed Beard tow her legally parked car, following his truck and eventually boxing it in. Other members of the community became involved and Beard promised to tow the car back to the woman’s apartment. Beard did return the vehicle and promptly left the scene before a stolen vehicle report was created. Law enforcement was notified and a warrant was issued for Beard’s arrest on December 22. He was arrested while again driving his tow truck on January 5, 2024 and was subsequently charged with 22 felonies. Several of the stolen towed vehicles involved in the larger scheme were traced back to Beard, who now has five open cases related to auto theft that are actively being pursued by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. 

Sentencing in this case has been set for Friday, April 19, 2024, at 9am. 

The DA’s Office would like to thank the Auto Theft Task Force, and the many officers whose work contributed to this case. 
 

#MCDA#

February 12, 2024

PORTLAND, Oregon – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released a list of cases impacted by the public defense crisis. The list includes felony cases dismissed by the JC3 court as a result of the crisis. 

In November, DA Mike Schmidt called the public defense crisis– defined by a lack of public defenders to provide counsel to defendants– an urgent threat to public safety. Individuals charged with a crime have a constitutional right to defense counsel. Victims have a right to justice. Absent counsel, criminal prosecutions cannot lawfully move forward, and throughout the counsel shortage, cases issued by the office have been routinely dismissed over prosecutors’ objections.

DA Schmidt also declared that MCDA would publish cases dismissed due to the crisis each week to increase transparency and advance the public’s understanding of the scope of the crisis. Here is an updated breakdown of the types of cases being dismissed.

There were 13 cases dismissed by the court as a result of the public defense crisis between 4/5/24 and 4/11/24:

24-CR-00886

23-CR-56073

23-CR-57383

24-CR-00303

23-CR-48379

24-CR-01131

23-CR-47772

23-CR-30864

23-CR-17686

23-CR-39899

23-CR-39086

23-CR-05108

21-CR-55496