The murder case in the 2022 shooting death of South Waterfront security guard Sircharles Jones was dismissed by Multnomah County prosecutors on Friday, although they provided no explanation for their decision.
On May 22, 2022, Jones was shot and killed while on patrol outside the Marriott Residence Inn. He was 22 years old at the time. When officials captured Cedric Washington and accused him with second-degree murder, the case had been unresolved for more than a year.
Washington, however, showed up in court for a prearranged agreement that dropped the murder case in exchange for a guilty plea to a new count—hindering prosecution—after serving ten months in prison.
According to court filings, Washington, who is currently 32, interfered in some way with the hunt for Jones’ killer. He received a three-year probationary term.
At a hearing on Friday, January 3, 2025, 32-year-old Cedric D. Washington Jr. was found guilty of obstructing prosecution.Sparling, Zane, and The Oregonian
When Jones’ mother, Jasmine Graham, called the court and requested to speak, Circuit Judge Jenna Plank interrupted. Although victims are legally allowed to speak during sentencing hearings, the state is the only victim for the listed offense that is impeding prosecution.
Plank informed the distraught mother that conflicting factors were involved.
Prosecutors told The Oregonian/OregonLive they would not go further. Investigations into the case are still ongoing.
For The Oregonian/OregonLive, Zane Sparling reports on court proceedings and breaking news. You may contact him at [email protected], 503-319-7083, or pdxzane.
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