September 5, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury returned a not true bill and found that the use of force by Portland Police Officers Sebastian Precup, Dewey Madison, Justin Thurman, and Jake Ramsey which resulted in the death of Richard Shawn Perez, 45, was not criminal under Oregon law.
Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kyle-Castelli presented the case to a grand jury on September 3rd and 4th, 2024. The grand jury, upon the conclusion of the presentation of evidence, returned a not true bill for all involved officers.
Previously released information regarding this incident is available 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, the DA’s Office will post the transcript on its website.
#MCDA#
September 4, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced James Griffin, 39, to 175 months in the Department of Corrections in relation to a sexual assault that occurred in the Parkrose neighborhood in June of 2022.
Case Facts
In the early morning hours of June 19, 2022, officers with Portland Police Bureau responded to the area of 11618 NE Sumner Street on a reported sexual assault. Law enforcement contacted the victim, who reported having been held in an RV and sexually abused. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she underwent a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE). Based on information provided by the victim, law enforcement was able to locate the RV. James Griffin was the resident of the RV and he matched the victim’s description of the attacker. Law enforcement spoke to Griffin at the scene and he was immediately taken into custody without incident. DNA found on swabs taken in the SAFE were tested and the sample was matched to Griffin’s DNA.
Trial & Sentencing
Deputy District Attorneys Sean Hughey and Julian Samuels handled prosecution for the state. On June 13, 2024, a 12-person jury found Griffin guilty of two counts of rape in the first degree, two counts of sodomy, sex abuse in the first degree, coercion, and assault in the fourth degree. At a sentencing hearing on September 4, 2024 Judge Cheryl Albrecht sentenced Griffin to 175 months of prison time. He will be transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the impact of this crime on the victim and on the wider community and thank all who contributed to the successful resolution of this case, with special appreciation for the dedicated work of PPB Detective Nathan Wollstein and MCDA victim advocate Alie Aguilera.
*Original Message (6/14/2024)
Jury Finds James Griffin Guilty of Rape, Sexual Abuse
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County jury delivered a guilty verdict for James Earl Griffin Jr., 39, for assaulting, raping, and sodomizing an adult female victim in June 2022.
Trial & Verdict
The trial took place in front of Judge Cheryl Albrecht from June 10-13, with Deputy District Attorneys Julian Samuels and Sean Hughey as prosecutors. The 12-person jury delivered the verdict on June 13, finding Griffin guilty of:
The jury also found Griffin not guilty of two counts of Kidnapping in the First Degree.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024, in front of Judge Albrecht. Griffin remains in custody in Multnomah County pending sentencing.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanks the Portland Police Bureau for their assistance with this case, in particular Detective Nathan Wollstein.
September 3, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge on Friday sentenced Ramond Lawrence, 33, to life in prison with the potential of release after 30 years in relation to the March 2023 shooting death of Teonjenique Hudson.
Case Facts
On March 15, 2023, a birthday party for the victim was held at the Embassy Suites hotel on 82nd Avenue near Portland International Airport. An altercation began in a hotel room on the 8th floor, which quickly escalated to multiple shots being fired by various individuals. A number of people were hit, including Adrian Granville and Teonjenique Hudson, who both died of their injuries at the scene. Witness accounts of the incident identified Ramond Lawrence as the individual who fired the fatal shot at Hudson.
Verdict and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Brian Davidson handled prosecution for the state. On June 13, 2024 at a court trial, Judge Benjamin Souede found Lawrence guilty on charges of Murder in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon w/ a Firearm, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm in relation to the shooting death of Teonjenique Hudson. At a sentencing hearing on August 30, 2024 Judge Souede sentenced Lawrence to life in prison, with the possibility for parole after 30 years have been served. He will be transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the impact of this crime on the friends and families of the victims who are still navigating the loss of their loved ones. We appreciate the collective effort of the Major Crimes Team, including Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Port of Portland Police Department, who took the lead on this case. Additional thanks to Port of Portland Detective Jennifer Ritschard, MCDA Investigator Matt Estes, and MCDA victim advocates Emma Kane and Nang Dunn for their dedicated work on this case.
**Update (6/14/2024)**
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:
Lawrence is currently in custody in Multnomah County pending sentencing, which is scheduled for August 30, 2024, in front of Judge Souede.
In addition to members of the Portland Police Bureau who responded to the incident, the DA’s Office thanks the members of the East County Major Crimes Team who assisted with this case, including officers and detectives with the Port of Portland Police Department, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police.
*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:
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.
#MCDA#
August 30, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Susan Long, 51, has been arraigned on charges of animal neglect in relation to Tuesday’s seizure of 13 dogs and 2 cats from a residence in the Lents neighborhood. After a review of the evidence, Long was charged with 15 counts of felony Animal Neglect in the Second Degree and was arraigned this morning on those charges.
Case Facts
Over the past several months, Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) received a number of calls regarding Long’s home, citing concerns for the animals in her care. After a conversation with a worried neighbor and a review of photos submitted to MCAS, a prosecutor with MAAP initiated the process to obtain a warrant to seize the animals. This warrant was executed on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, when 15 animals in total were rescued from the home. All seized animals are safely housed within MCAS and The Oregon Humane Society.
Long is presently prohibited from being in possession of any animals. She has only been charged with a crime at this time and is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
*Original Message (8/27/2024)*
Neglected Animals Seized by Law Enforcement from House in East Portland
August 27, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that 13 dogs and 2 cats were seized from a home in the Lents neighborhood of East Portland. Working closely with PPB’s East Precinct Neighborhood Response Team (NRT), prosecutors with the MCDA Access Attorney Program (MAAP) responded to multiple complaints of malnourished animals and hazardous living conditions. A warrant to seize the animals was signed and executed today, in collaboration with Multnomah County Animal Services and The Oregon Humane Society.
As further investigation is underway, any members of the community with additional information are encouraged to reach out to PPB or email damailbox@mcda.us using the subject line Lents Animal Neglect Concerns.
MCDA thanks the East Neighborhood Response Team, Multnomah County Animal Services, the Oregon Humane Society, and the concerned citizens who saved the lives of many animals today.
#MCDA#
August 27, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that 13 dogs and 2 cats were seized from a home in the Lents neighborhood of East Portland. Working closely with PPB’s East Precinct Neighborhood Response Team (NRT), prosecutors with the MCDA Access Attorney Program (MAAP) responded to multiple complaints of malnourished animals and hazardous living conditions. A warrant to seize the animals was signed and executed today, in collaboration with Multnomah County Animal Services and The Oregon Humane Society.
As further investigation is underway, any members of the community with additional information are encouraged to reach out to PPB or email damailbox@mcda.us using the subject line Lents Animal Neglect Concerns.
MCDA thanks the East Neighborhood Response Team, Multnomah County Animal Services, the Oregon Humane Society, and the concerned citizens who saved the lives of many animals today.
#MCDA#
August 27, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that today a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced Steven Knox, 55, to 70 months in the Department of Corrections related to a stabbing that occurred in March of 2023.
Case Facts
On March 14, 2023, a victim reported having been stabbed from behind multiple times outside of her apartment complex in the Buckman neighborhood. Video of the incident showed the victim briefly interacting with an individual positively identified as Steven Knox before walking away. The video then showed Knox with an object in his hand chasing, grabbing, and making repeated stabbing motions at the victim. The victim reported knowing Knox for a few years prior to the incident, and Portland Police Bureau’s investigation indicated that it was likely motivated by money owed.
Knox was sentenced to life in prison for a 1987 murder before being paroled in 2009. His parole was revoked in 2011 after various violations, including a number of domestic violence incidents. At the time of this incident, Knox was on supervision following his parole being granted over the state’s objections in 2019.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Mihnea Moga handled prosecution for the state. On August 21, 2024, a jury found Knox not guilty on the Attempted Murder I charge, but guilty of Assault II and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. At a sentencing hearing on August 27, 2024, Judge Leslie Bottomly sentenced Knox to 70 months in prison, as well as 3 years of post-prison supervision. He will be transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of all who contributed to the successful resolution of this case, with a special thank you to PPB Detective Raelynn McKay and MCDA victim advocate Allison Miller.
#MCDA#
August 23, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced Daniel Allen Bueler, 34, to 245 months in prison after he pled guilty to multiple sex crimes, as well as burglary and robbery charges.
The charges stem from four separate incidents that occurred in 2022 and 2023. Upon review of the evidence, law enforcement and prosecutors determined that Bueler committed burglaries and targeted individuals, sexually assaulting them while threatening them with a weapon. In June 2022, Bueler approached an individual who was walking in Argay Park and sexually assaulted them at gunpoint; in August 2022, Bueler broke into an occupied residence and stole over $1,000 worth of goods; in March 2023, Bueler again broke into an occupied residence where a woman woke up to find him standing over her displaying an apparent weapon before stealing belongings; and several hours later, Bueler sexually assaulted a woman and threatened her with a weapon.
Plea & Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kyle-Castelli represented the state in this case, which resulted in a negotiated plea agreement with the defendant and his counsel to resolve multiple open cases. Bueler entered his plea, which was accepted by Judge Jenna Plank, on August 2, 2024. On August 23, 2024, Judge Plank sentenced Bueler to 245 months in prison as follows:
Bueler is currently in custody in Multnomah County and will be transported to the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.
The DA’s Office would like to acknowledge the impact of these crimes on the victims and community. Thanks to victim advocates Julie Jacobs and Alie Aguilera for their work to support the victims in these cases, as well as to the Portland Police Bureau for their diligence in the ongoing investigation in pursuit of justice for victims.
#MCDA#
August 23, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Issac Justham, 25, was indicted by a grand jury on multiple counts of aggravated animal abuse related to an August 2, 2024 incident wherein a man was captured on camera beating a dog.
Case Facts
On August 2, 2024, security cameras at an apartment building in the 500 block of Northeast Holladay Street captured an unknown man repeatedly abusing a dog. The abuse included hitting the dog with a heavy rope and hanging the dog from a fire extinguisher and repeatedly kicking it. Portland Police Bureau released a portion of the video to the public asking for help identifying the man in the video. Detectives were able to positively identify the suspect as 25-year-old Issac Booker Justham based on tips provided by the community. On August 17, 2024, PPB officers responded to possible sightings of Justham, and officers were able to take him into custody without incident.
Indictment
The case was referred to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for review amidst considerable public interest. Upon review of the evidence provided by law enforcement, DDA Abbie Tornquist presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on August 23, 2024, on the following charges:
The dog in this case remains missing. If anyone has information as to the whereabouts or condition of the dog, please contact Detective Matthew Brown at matthew.brown@police.portlandoregon.gov. Thank you to the community for their collaborative work and investment in identifying the perpetrator. Please note that an indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and Justham is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
August 20, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that yesterday a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced Jerry Mijangos, 28, to a total of 30 months as part of the resolution of 4 separate criminal cases. The multiple criminal cases against Mijangos– a well-known and prolific graffiti artist who uses the moniker KASR– stem from repeated incidents of vandalism in 2023 and 2024. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Mijangos will serve 30 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Keegan Matosich handled prosecution for the state. At a plea hearing on August 19, 2024, Mijangos pled guilty to 2 counts of Criminal Mischief I and 2 counts of Criminal Mischief II. Judge Andrew Lavin sentenced Mijangos to 30 months detention in line with the plea agreement. He was transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.
Regarding the announcement of this resolution, Chief Bob Day stated: “Graffiti remains a significant concern for our community. It is one of the most common complaints I hear about, and I understand the reason behind it. Senseless vandalism makes a city look neglected and tarnishes its image. The arrest and significant sentence for Jerry Mijangos sends a message to the people committing this illegal act that it will not be tolerated. Thank you to our officers who are trying to investigate and apprehend graffiti suspects and the DA’s office for their continued partnership.”
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the impact of such vandalism on business owners and the community and thank all who contributed to the collaborative resolution of these cases, including PPB Officers Nathan Kirby-Glatkowski and Amelia Flohr, who worked tirelessly on this case.
August 17, 2023
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury returned a not true bill and found that the use of force by Portland Police Officer Justin Clary that resulted in the death of Isaac Seavy, 27, was not criminal under Oregon law.
Yesterday, August 16, 2024, SDDA Todd Jackson and DDA Brad Kalbaugh presented this case to a grand jury which, upon the conclusion of the presentation of evidence, returned a not true bill.
Previously released information regarding this incident is available 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, the transcript will be published to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office website.
August 13, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that yesterday a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced Isaac Woodward, 45, to a total of 22 years for the beating death of Traves Barisich, as well as the attempted assault and attempted murder of two other victims.
Incident 1
Just before 4:30 am on September 28, 2023, PPB was called after a clerk at Plaid Pantry on 26th and SE Division observed a suspect dragging something resembling a body across the street, attempting to dispose of it in a dumpster, then finally leaving what was definitively a body on the ground nearby. Law enforcement responded and quickly located victim Traves Barisich lying on the ground in front of the dumpsters with significant head trauma. After attempts at life-saving measures by first responders, he was determined to be deceased at the scene.
On the same night an hour earlier, another individual reported being assaulted at the New Seasons Market located at 1954 SE Division St. An investigation into this incident ultimately linked both the attack on the living victim and the assault that led to the death of Mr. Barisich to Isaac Woodward.
Incident 2
The next day, in the early morning hours of September 29, 2023, PPB dispatched officers to a reported stabbing in the area of the Dolph Court Apartments located at 2920 SW Dolph Ct. in Portland Oregon. Upon speaking to the injured victim at OHSU, where she was taken for treatment, law enforcement learned that the victim had been assaulted by a man in the laundry room of the apartment complex as she was doing her laundry. The man stabbed the victim repeatedly on and around the neck and head until the attack was interrupted by another individual entering the laundry room, which allowed the victim time to escape and flag down a passing motorist who called 911. The 911 caller had observed the suspect exit the laundry room and knew him to be Isaac Woodward.
Law enforcement located Woodward in the area of the 9100 block of SW Barbur Blvd and took him into custody without incident. Officers found two knives on Woodward’s person and could observe fresh scratch marks on the inside of his wrists. He later admitted to attacking the victim inside the laundry room with a knife and provided specific corroborating details to police.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Sean Hughey handled prosecution for the state. At a settlement conference on July 17, 2024, Woodward pled guilty to Manslaughter I in the death of Traves Barisich and no-contest to Attempted Assault II in one case (23CR48549), and also pled guilty to Attempted Murder II in a second case (23CR47747). On August 12, 2024, Judge Marshall sentenced Woodward to a combined total of 22 years.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the loss felt by the family and friends of Mr. Barisich, and thank all who contributed to the collaborative resolution of these cases, including PPB Detective Calvin Goldring, Investigator Anthony Merrill, and victim advocate Rebecca Leediker.