June 24, 2020
Jeremy Joseph Christian sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of release or parole
Today, Jeremy Joseph Christian, 38, received a sentence of two consecutive terms of life imprisonment without the possibility of release or parole. Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl A. Albrecht also imposed 310 months of additional prison time to be served consecutive to the life imprisonment sentences.
The court will determine the total restitution amount at a later date.
Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill said upon sentencing:
“From the beginning of this case, we have seen and heard the racism and hatred cast by Jeremy Christian. His appalling actions and beliefs will never have a place in our community. Today, we focus on and remember the heroic efforts of the individuals who courageously came forward and immediately – in the face of great danger to themselves – started performing first aid and gave solace to Taliesin Namkai-Meche, Ricky Best and Micah Fletcher. We honor the first responders – the police officers, firefighters and paramedics – who found themselves in a chaotic and traumatizing-blood-soaked scene. Although we still deeply hurt, we are stronger in our resolve to stand up to and reject hate. We do so inspired by the courage, compassion and strength of Taliesin Namkai-Meche, Ricky Best, Micah Fletcher, Walio Mohamed, Destinee Mangum, Demetria Hester, Shawn Forde and so many others, including the families of Taliesin and Ricky. Every witness who testified selflessly gave their time and energy to see this through. The resulting convictions do little to ease the pain. But, they do show those who foster hate what our community can and will do to combat such evil as we move forward – together.”
District Attorney Underhill also commends the trial team of First Assistant Jeff Howes, Chief Deputy District Attorney Don Rees and Deputy District Attorneys Rachna Hajari and Ashly Crockett. This team did a fantastic job of professionally representing the State and their actions have ensured justice for the victims and community.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanks the 12 individuals who dedicated their time and efforts to serve as jurors.
On February 20, 2020, the jury unanimously convicted Christian of two counts of murder in the first degree, one count of attempted murder in the first degree, one count of assault in the first degree, one count of assault in the second degree, three counts of intimidation in the second degree, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of menacing.
On February 27, 2020, the jury unanimously returned its findings following a two-day sentencing phase enhancement facts trial and allowed the State to seek enhancement factors for sentencing.
A copy of the State’s sentencing recommendation can be obtained by clicking here.
Multnomah County District Attorney Victim Advocates Chanel Thomas, Julie Jacobs and Emily Hyde provided, and continue to provide, dedicated support and advocacy to the victims in this case.
Special recognition is owed to District Attorney Investigator Steve Ober and Senior Legal Assistant Tammy Ruffing for their commitment to public service and support during this case.
Portland Police Bureau Detective Michele Michaels was the lead investigator on this case. The District Attorney’s Office recognizes her, her partner Detective Bryan Steed (ret.) and the rest of the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail and the Portland Police Bureau’s Detective Division for their efforts investigating this case.
In addition, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank and recognize the Gresham Police Department, the Oregon State Police, the Oregon State Police Crime Laboratory, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Northwest Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, TriMet, the Portland Fire Bureau, American Medical Response, the nurses and doctors at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, and the Oregon Department of Justice for their assistance throughout this case.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director | Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: Brent.Weisberg@nullmcda.us