Oregon Teens Charged with Murder After Grocery Store Shooting

Two teenagers from Oregon are currently facing charges of murder and robbery after they allegedly shot and killed a man in a grocery store incident. The tragedy occurred at a Fred Meyer store in Portland's Hazelwood neighborhood on January 13, when police received reports of gunfire around 3:50 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Jonathan Trent on the ground with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. According to authorities, Trent was shot after he attempted to intervene during the robbery.

On January 23, police reported the arrests of two teens, aged 15 and 16, in connection with this fatal shooting. Another 15-year-old who knows the primary suspects was also apprehended for a different robbery that took place on January 1. Investigators believe that the older teen may be linked to a series of four other robberies occurring in the area just prior to this incident. Sgt. Matt Jacobsen from the major crimes unit expressed concern over the prevalence of guns and the alarming involvement of youth in violent crimes, emphasizing the rarity of such events with young individuals.

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office is currently reviewing whether to prosecute the teenagers charged with murder as adults. The identities of the three arrested have not been disclosed due to their age and minor status, and they are being held at the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Facility. In the wake of Trent's death, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his son and the mother of his child, with friends recalling Trent as a positive and supportive figure in the community.