Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill has announced 34-year-old Michael Williams received a life sentence after he pleaded guilty to killing 38-year-old Jacob Shroyer last spring. Williams must serve 30 years in prison before he is eligible to apply for parole.
On June 22, 2018, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated murder and one count of robbery in the third degree related to a separate victim. Williams received a 16 month concurrent prison sentence on the robbery conviction.
“All I can do is remember the last conversations we had, the times we spent together and the time raising him to become a man,” Jacob’s aunt Juanita Barela read in court on behalf of Mr. Shroyer’s mother. “He was loved by his family and the Portland community. I will not let you destroy me. I have hope and patience to see Jacob again in the spiritual realm.”
Mr. Shroyer was remembered during Thursday’s sentencing hearing as a strong, independent and self-made man who loved making others happy and feel good about themselves. Mr. Shroyer grew up in New Mexico and eventually moved to Oregon. His impact on the community stretched far beyond Portland. He was an accomplished hair stylist and a talented DJ. His family and friends remembered Mr. Shroyer’s compassion for others.
During the sentencing hearing, Mr. Shroyer’s aunt, Frances Candelaria said, “I want you (defendant Williams) to know what a wonderful, happy and loving person you took away from this family. Jacob did not have an easy life growing up since he had no father figure. But from the love of his mother, his brother Ben and his entire family he grew up in a very loving home and he became the most precious man.” She continued, “You have no idea how much you have hurt us, how much we have cried ourselves to sleep and how many times we scream Jacob’s name hoping to bring him back. Our family is broken and we will never be the same. Now that you will be locked up, you will not be able to hurt anyone else.”
“This was a crime that shocked the entire community,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero who prosecuted the case along with Chief Deputy District Attorney Don Rees. “We may never know why Michael Williams committed this random, unprovoked and heinous crime that took the life of Jacob Shroyer. What we do know is that Jacob came from a remarkably loving and caring family. They have shown incredible strength and grace during this unimaginable time.”
During a change of plea hearing held before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Eric J. Bergstrom, Williams admitted he unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly committed the crime of burglary in the first degree on May 8, 2017 and that in the course of and in the furtherance of committing the crime of burglary in the first degree he personally and intentionally caused the death of Mr. Shroyer. Furthermore, Williams admitted he unlawfully and knowingly used physical force on May 9, 2017 to take property belonging to a man he did not know. Williams assaulted that man on a TriMet bus in order to steal the victim’s wallet.
Special recognition is deserved for the members of the Portland Police Bureau Homicide Detail, including lead detectives Anthony Merrill and Vince Cui. Additional acknowledgement goes to members of the Portland Police Bureau Detective Division, including Detectives Michael Jones and Tony Harris, Central Precinct patrol officers and Transit Police Division officers for their efforts in identifying and capturing the defendant.
This negotiated settlement was reached in consultation with Mr. Shroyer’s family and in consideration of their wishes.
As a result of this plea agreement, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office dismissed all remaining counts against the defendant.
Source: Multnomah County District Attorney