Portland, OR – A jury in Oregon has acquitted 35-year-old cannabis store manager Jason Steiner, who was charged with two counts of first-degree murder after fatally shooting two armed robbers during an attempted heist in October 2024.
Jury Sides with Defense in High-Profile Cannabis Shop Shooting
After days of deliberation, jurors voted in favor of Steiner, agreeing with his defense team that he acted in self-defense during the chaotic robbery at the La Mota dispensary, a regional cannabis store chain in the Portland area. Prosecutors, however, contended that Steiner could have fled instead of using deadly force.
During closing arguments, defense attorney Thalia Sady told jurors that Steiner’s fear for his life was real, saying:
“These were not fake or ammo-less guns. They were prepared and ready to kill that night.”
The defense argued that Steiner’s actions were driven by panic and survival instincts after being held at gunpoint by three robbers.
What Happened During the Robbery
The shooting occurred on October 3, 2024, when Steiner was working alone at the dispensary. According to court records by The Oregonian, Steiner told police that he was in a backroom when he heard a noise. Upon checking, he found three masked individuals pointing guns at him.
The robbers allowed him to leave, but Steiner later said he feared they might follow him or steal his car, telling officers that he believed they could “hunt him down.” He reportedly armed himself outside with a firearm he built himself — a semiautomatic weapon without a serial number — and waited near the drive-through window.
When he thought one of the suspects inside was reaching for a weapon, Steiner opened fire, discharging 13 rounds until his magazine was empty.
Two Suspects Killed, One Fled the Scene
Police found 18-year-old King Lawrence dead at the scene, while 20-year-old Tahir Burley was gravely injured and later died. A third suspect fled before law enforcement arrived.
Officers reported that Steiner called 911 himself, introduced himself as the shooter, and surrendered his weapon and empty magazine. He appeared visibly emotional, with body-cam footage showing him repeatedly saying, “I didn’t want to hurt anyone.”
Prosecution’s Argument: “He Could Have Walked Away”
Prosecutors maintained that Steiner was not in immediate danger at the time of the shooting. They argued that he was “the length of the building away from the door and around the corner” when he fired through the drive-through window.
Authorities said surveillance footage confirmed his story in part but also showed that none of the robbers had drawn their guns when Steiner began shooting. Investigators noted that Burley only reached for his gun after being hit.
Self-Defense and Oregon’s Legal Standard
Under Oregon law, deadly force is justified if a person reasonably believes it is necessary to defend themselves from imminent death or serious physical injury. The defense successfully convinced jurors that Steiner met that threshold.
The case reignited debate over self-defense laws, particularly involving business owners and employees in potentially dangerous industries like cannabis retail, where cash-heavy operations often make stores targets for robberies.
Emotional Aftermath and Broader Implications
Following the verdict, Steiner reportedly broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the jury’s decision. His case has drawn attention across Oregon as an example of the legal and moral complexity of using lethal force during a crime.
Public safety advocates and legal analysts suggest the verdict could set a new precedent for self-defense cases involving armed confrontations in retail environments.
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