September 4, 2020
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt is providing an update regarding the homicide of Aaron “Jay” Danielson and is also providing court documents pertaining to Michael Forest Reinoehl, the suspect in that homicide.
“The events of Thursday night are still being investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies. We still do not have a full understanding of what led to the death of Michael Forest Reinoehl. The loss of life is tragic. It has a profound impact on families, friends and community members. The apprehension of a fugitive, in particular one under investigation for murder, is especially dangerous for law enforcement. I am thankful that no one else was injured or killed during last night’s incident in Lacey, Washington, and I appreciate the coordination between law enforcement agencies throughout this investigation,” DA Mike Schmidt said.
On August 29, 2020, Portland Police responded to a shooting near the intersection of Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Alder Street. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Mr. Danielson died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
On September 3, 2020, law enforcement obtained a court-authorized arrest warrant for 48-year-old Michael Forest Reinoehl and a court-authorized search warrant for his residence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office filed a charging instrument accusing Reinoehl of murder in the second degree with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm. Furthermore, the state was prepared to prove that Reinoehl unlawfully and intentionally, using a firearm, caused the death of Mr. Danielson.
During the search warrant execution at Reinoehl’s residence, the Portland Police Bureau recovered evidence including clothing items that matched the clothing Reinoehl wore on August 29, 2020 at the time of the homicide.
At the residence, law enforcement also located ammunition of the same caliber that matched the ballistic evidence recovered from the crime scene.
At the request of law enforcement, the court sealed the search warrant affidavit, the arrest warrant affidavit and the charging instrument in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
On September 4, 2020, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion with the court to unseal those specific documents. The court granted the motion. Copies of the documents can be obtained by clicking here.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
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Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Email: Brent.Weisberg@nullmcda.us