PORTLAND, Ore. — The man who fatally shot two people and robbed a gas station in downtown Portland back in November of 2018 was sentenced to life in prison, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office said.
James Javontae Barquet, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder for the 4-hour crime spree overnight on November 19, 2018.
Officials say the investigation began when 70-year-old Carol Horner was found dead from a gunshot wound under the west end of the Morrison Bridge.
Later that night, reports say, Barquet tried to steal a pack of cigarettes from the Chevron gas station on Southwest 4th and Burnside Street, threatening the clerk with a gun.
“The clerk reached for the gun at which point Barquet fled, pulling a small silver wheeled suitcase,” the district attorney’s office said.
The second murder charge happened just after midnight on November 20, 2018. Brian Hansen, 51, was found dead from a gunshot wound on the Burnside Bridge.
Surveillance video showed Hansen walking on the bridge while being followed by someone holding a wheeled suitcase, which matched the one Barquet had during the robbery.
Police found Barquet later that day with the wheeled suitcase and a gun. Police tested the gun and found it had been used in both homicides.
Barquet was evaluated at the Oregon State Hospital to ensure he was competent to stand trial or enter a plea, the DA’s office said.
"My brother was sensitive, sweet, and had a goofy sense of humor and was always there in times of need,” Kathy Hansen, Mr. Hansen's sister said in her victim impact statement. “I have an idea of how to process grief, but this pain goes deep into my soul a piece of my heart that my brother held is gone."
On Wednesday, Barquet was sentenced to life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of fifty years before becoming eligible for parole.
“I want to recognize the strength and resilience of the families of both victims over the last three years It is clear that we are much worse off without Mr. Hansen and Mrs. Horner in our community." Deputy District Attorney Marrero said.