Man sentenced to life in prison for 2023 Portland double murder of ‘incredible individuals’

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A man was sentenced to life in prison for a 2023 double murder in Portland, authorities said.

Bennet Miller, 25, was sentenced for two counts of first-degree murder after accepting a plea deal, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office said.

The two homicide victims were Fortressen Oriakhi and Isidahomen Ikhuoria, described in a release from the DA’s office as “bright lights in this world.”

The shooting happened in Northeast Portland’s Hollywood District in the early morning hours of June 23, 2023.

The investigation began when Portland police responded to reports of several shots fired. When they arrived at the scene, near Northeast Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Northeast Sandy Boulevard, they found a car crashed into a telephone pole . Both occupants had multiple gunshot wounds.

The driver and car owner, Oriakhi, was found dead.

The passenger, Ikhuoria, was hospitalized with injuries but passed away one week later .

According to the DA’s office, the Portland Police Bureau investigation determined Miller was driving a 2018 Toyota Camry that he co-owned, matching witnesses’ descriptions. He pulled up alongside Oriakhi and Ikhuoria in another car near Northeast Halsey Street and Northeast Cesar Chavez Boulevard, fired 10 shots at them, then fled.

The DA’s office said Miller later confessed to a friend to killing the two victims because he mistook them “for individuals with whom he had issues.”

“During the course of this investigation, we learned that these two young men were incredible individuals and immense bright lights in this world,” the DA’s office said in a release. “We extend our condolences to those still grieving the losses of their loved ones and express our appreciation for all who contributed to the resolution of this case.”

Miller was transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections and will have the ability to request parole after serving the 32-year minimum, officials said.

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