January 2, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Jessie Garza III, 33, was arraigned on charges for the fatal shooting of Richard Newman that took place on December 14, 2023, in the Centennial Neighborhood.
Following completion of the investigation into this case, law enforcement and the DA’s Office identified Garza as the suspect. Deputy District Attorney Brad Kalbaugh presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on December 22, 2023, for the following charges:
- One count of Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm
- Two counts of Burglary in the first Degree with a Firearm
- Two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Firearm)
- One count of Coercion with a Firearm
- One count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm
On December 28, 2023, Portland Police Bureau officers located and arrested Garza on an outstanding warrant, and he was booked at the Multnomah County Detention Center.
Garza was arraigned today and entered a plea of not guilty. He remains in custody, pending a murder bail hearing and other proceedings.
Garza also was arraigned on a charge of attempted murder for shooting at a Portland Police Officer at close range on December 28 during the course of the arrest.
The DA’s Office thanks the PPB officers, the members of the Special Emergency Reaction Team, and the Crisis Negotiation Team who worked diligently to apprehend Garza.
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime. Garza is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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