2 Teenagers Accused of Murdering Man Who Tried to Stop Them From Stealing: ‘His Loss Has Left a Profound Void’

Mar. 15, 2025

Jonathan Trent.Photo:portland.gov

portland.gov

Two teenagers in Oregon have been arrested on murder and robbery charges after they allegedly shot a man who was trying to stop them from robbing a grocery store.

The medical examiner announced soon after that his cause of death was homicide from a gunshot wound, police said. “The initial investigation suggests that Trent was shot after witnessing a robbery and attempting to stop the suspect,” police wrote at the time.

In an update shared on Jan. 23, police announced they had arrested three boys, including a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, each of whom are facing murder and robbery charges. A third teen, a 15-year-old who police said knows the other two suspects, was arrested for a separate Jan. 1 robbery.

Fred Meyer grocery store.Google maps

Google maps

Police also believe the 16-year-old was involved in a string of four other robberies that took place in the area during the first two weeks of January.

“Throughout the course of the investigation, we’re able to identify five events that were related to this group,” Jacobsen said, per the outlet.

“This type of crime with these youths is fairly uncommon,” he continued. “Unfortunately, guns are available in this community and it’s deeply concerning to see youth of this age, armed with firearms.”

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Trent’s family has since opened up about his death in aGoFundMe page, which has surpassed its $25,000 goal to help his son and his son’s mother in the wake of his death.

“Jon was a man of warmth, kindness, and joy who brought light to everyone around him. He was a constant presence at the pool, supporting [his son] and inspiring our community with his positivity and generous spirit,” the fundraising page states. “His loss has left a profound void in our hearts and in the lives of those who knew him.”

source: people.com