PORTLAND, Ore. (WKRC) - A man pled guilty to shooting and killing a 53-year-old man who threw a sandwich at his car, and then over a year later attempting to kill the only witness to the incident - his ex girlfriend.
According to a press release from the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, 24-year-old Jacob Fitzgerald was driving his car with his at-the-time girlfriend and with 53-year-old Otis Abner on Aug. 6, 2022.
Police said that Fitzgerald and Abner got into an argument that eventually became so intense that Fitzgerald kicked Abner out of the car. Abner reportedly threw a sandwich at Fitzgerald's car out of frustration, at which point the 24-year-old drove "a short distance away" and then shot multiple bullets at Abner, with one striking the man and killing him.
Fitzgerald burned the vehicle he committed the crime in later that same day, and officers found Abner's body after two passersby reported it.
Police did not have a lead on who killed Abner until 18 months later when Fitzgerald arrived at the trailer of his ex-girlfriend, who was with him when he killed Abner. He shot multiple bullets into the trailer, hitting his ex-girlfriend in the face and arm and injuring her.
Police arrested Fitzgerald one day later after an armed robbery and his accomplice for the second crime, Joanna Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald pled guilty to first-degree manslaughter, attempted murder, assault, armed burglary, and robbery. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison.
Man shot and killed 53-year-old who threw sandwich at his car, then tried to kill witness
A man pled guilty to shooting and killing a 53-year-old man who threw a sandwich at his car, and then over a year later attempting to kill the only witness.
