Jaylon Jamall Benjamin, 30, was found guilty on all counts by a Multnomah County jury in connection with the 2023 collision in Northeast Portland that claimed the lives of James and Lisa Johnson.
According to court filings, on October 28, 2023, Benjamin was traveling east on Northeast Lombard Street in a U-Haul pickup truck when he struck the Johnsons’ black SUV as they tried to turn onto Northeast 33rd Avenue.
Benjamin was driving at least 80 mph in a 45 mph zone while carrying a dog in the truck, according to witnesses. According to data from the airbag control module, he was barely two seconds away from the collision at 100 mph when he braked, bringing his speed down to 80 mph.
READ MORE: Portland airport shooting, 13-year-old Beaverton’s death, and fatal vehicle accidents: This week’s court dockets in the Portland region
At the scene, James and Lisa Johnson passed away. Despite his injuries, Benjamin’s dog lived.
Benjamin was found guilty by a jury on Thursday of two counts of second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, second-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree animal mistreatment.
Benjamin is still being held, and his sentencing date is set for December 19.
Tyler Brown covers breaking news as a multimedia reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive. He can be contacted at 503-221-8243 or [email protected].
Latest Public Safety News
-
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear appeal of 3 convicted Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupiers
-
Ex-Lake Oswego coach seeks court order to get job back, alleging district violated his free speech on transgender athletes
-
Teen runaway guilty in rape, fatal strangulation of 13-year-old Beaverton girl, jury finds
-
35-year-old identified as man killed in NE Portland shooting, police said
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
