October 31, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Colby Dion Benson, 40, was sentenced yesterday by a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
Case Facts
On September 11, 2020, Portland Police Bureau officers responded to a reported shooting at the intersection of East Burnside and 122nd Avenue in East Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood. The victim, 29 year-old Christopher Klein, had been shot several times, and when law enforcement arrived, witnesses to the shooting were attempting to render him aid. Despite the efforts of witnesses and first responders, Klein died of his injuries at the scene. The investigation indicated that the shooter had approached Klein’s vehicle at the intersection before firing multiple rounds into the car. Surveillance video from a nearby apartment complex, gas station, and Trimet showed a man, identified as Colby Benson, leaving Klein’s residence, walking towards the car, and firing rounds at the victim in his car. It was determined that Benson knew Klein and had been hanging out with the victim on the day of the murder.
Trial and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorneys Sam Wilton and Sean Hughey represented the state in this case. The trial took place between October 15th and 29th, when a 12-person jury returned a guilty verdict on charges of Murder in the Second Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Yesterday, October 30, 2024, Benson was sentenced in front of Judge David Rees to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. 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 impact of each and every homicide on the community and would like to express our appreciation for all who contributed to the resolution of this case. A special thank you to PPB detective Brad Clifton as well as MCDA Investigators Anthony Merrill, Kirk Tonkin, Matt Estes, and Victim Advocate Rocio Peguero.