– Portland suspect tied to 2022 homicide shooting court records
– Portland homicide suspect connected to February shooting in court records.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Suspect in 2022 Portland Shooting Allegedly Tried to Kill Witness

A suspect in a fatal shooting that took place in Portland in 2022 is now facing allegations that he attempted to kill a witness to the crime. According to court records, 23-year-old Jacob Fitzgerald is accused of targeting a woman who witnessed the shooting that left 53-year-old Otis Abner dead.

Details of Abner’s Death

The incident occurred on August 6, 2022, when Fitzgerald, Abner, and a third individual named Ryan Smith were traveling in a stolen vehicle. An argument ensued between Abner and Fitzgerald during the drive, leading to a confrontation near 1130 North Schmeer Road. It was reported that Abner exited the vehicle and threw a sandwich at the car before Fitzgerald allegedly fired multiple shots, resulting in Abner’s death from a gunshot wound to the heart.

Following the shooting, Fitzgerald fled the scene and was later spotted in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Smith’s whereabouts remain unknown. Fitzgerald was reportedly involved in another altercation while attempting to steal a car, during which he dropped his handgun, which was later linked to the weapon used in Abner’s death. Additionally, court documents suggest that Fitzgerald and his sister, Joanna Fitzgerald, were seen destroying evidence related to the case.

Abner, a father and grandfather, was described by his daughter as a jovial and kind-hearted individual. Tragically, she never had the chance to meet him in person before his untimely death.

February Shooting Incident

In a harrowing turn of events earlier this month, Smith alerted authorities that Jacob Fitzgerald was allegedly targeting her in an attempt to eliminate the only witness to Abner’s murder. Two days later, Fitzgerald and Joanna tracked Smith to her boyfriend’s motorhome, where they reportedly attempted to break in.

During the altercation, Jacob Fitzgerald allegedly fired multiple shots into the motorhome, injuring Smith in the arm and face. Fortunately, Smith survived the attack and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The siblings then fled the scene in a white Volkswagen Jetta.

Court Charges and Indictments

Joanna Fitzgerald has since been arrested and faces a slew of charges, including attempted murder, assault, burglary, and menacing. She is currently held in Multnomah County jail awaiting further legal proceedings.

Although Jacob Fitzgerald has not been formally charged in connection with Abner’s death, he is facing similar charges to his sister for the recent shooting incident. As of now, he is not listed as an inmate in Multnomah County jail.

Fedor Zarkhin contributed to this story.

— Austin De Dios covers public safety and diversity, equity and inclusion. Contact him at 503-319-9744, adedios@oregonian.com or @AustinDeDios.

Support quality journalism by subscribing to OregonLive.com today.

.

– Portland suspect 2022 homicide tied February shooting
– Portland suspect 2022 homicide court records allege.