PORTLAND, OR – In a dramatic turn of events, a Portland man who sparked a police standoff following a fatal shooting has been sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. Jessie Garza III, 31, initially pleaded not guilty but altered his plea to guilty on charges including second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, according to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office.
The case unfolded in December 2023 when Garza shot and killed 58-year-old Richard Newman. Garza admitted to shooting Newman multiple times before fleeing the scene. Despite an immediate response, the police were unable to save Newman, who died in the hospital.
Court documents reveal that prior to the incident, Garza confided in a friend, stating his intention to force a confrontation with law enforcement rather than face imprisonment. “I’m not going to jail,” he allegedly told his friend, determined to provoke police into taking lethal action against him.
The shooting took place on the night of December 14, 2023. Rather than seeking out Newman, Garza was looking for someone known as “Moro,” whom Newman acted as a mentor. When Newman refused to divulge Moro’s location and asked Garza to leave, Garza responded by shooting him in the arm, chest, and stomach.
Multiple eyewitnesses identified Garza, recognized by some as “Buddy,” as the shooter. At the time, he already had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. Witnesses described a horrifying scene inside Newman’s home, with Garza arriving with his weapon drawn.
Garza became the subject of a police search. On December 28, authorities received information linking Garza to a stolen Chevy Impala. During their pursuit, Garza abandoned the moving vehicle, fled on foot, and began firing at the officers. He later barricaded himself in an apartment, leading to a tense four-hour standoff, before surrendering without further injury to police.
Despite initially pleading not guilty, Garza entered a guilty plea on April 3 to charges including second-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and first-degree burglary. Consequently, a judge sentenced him to life in prison, with an opportunity for parole after 32 years.
In a final courtroom statement, Garza addressed Newman’s family, offering an apology. “As a man, I’ll tell you, I’m sorry,” he said, facing the consequences of his actions.