Photo: KATU
A 12-person jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on all counts in the case against Jeremy Christian in the 2017 MAX train stabbing case.
Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill issued the following statement upon the jury’s verdict:
“Our community continues to feel the profound impact from this violent and racist attack that happened more than two years ago. This verdict supports and upholds the state’s belief that Jeremy Joseph Christian acted intentionally when he committed these crimes. We thank the jurors for their dedication, diligence and swift deliverance of justice. While we are pleased with today’s verdict, we continue to focus our efforts toward helping the families of Ricky Best and Taliesin Namkai-Meche as well as Micah Fletcher, Demetria Hester, Wailo Mohamed, Destinee Mangum and Shawn Forde deal with the unimaginable and lasting trauma caused by Jeremy Joseph Christian.
I am proud and very appreciative of First Assistant Jeff Howes and Chief Deputy District Attorney Don Rees who represented the State of Oregon and presented the jury with a comprehensive and clear presentation of evidence in their unwavering pursuit of justice. I also want to recognize Multnomah County Deputy District Attorneys Rachna Hajari and Ashly Crockett both of whom provided instrumental contributions and assistance throughout this case. I recognize our Victim Advocates Chanel Thomas, Julie Jacobs and Emily Hyde for the dedicated support and advocacy they have and will continue to provide the victims in this case. Finally, I recognize District Attorney Investigator Steve Ober and Senior Legal Assistant Tammy Ruffing for their assistance during the pendency of this case.”
The trial started January 21, 2020 with five days of jury selection.
The presentation of evidence, including the opening statements, state’s case in chief, defense case, the state’s rebuttal case and closing arguments lasted an additional 15 days and included an off-site jury view of a TriMet MAX train.
The jury in this case remains empaneled by court order. The sentencing phase, for the jury to determine, is scheduled to start Tuesday February 25, 2020.