In the early hours of Sunday 27-year-old Ian Cranston shot and killed 22-year-old Barry Washington Jr. outside of a downtown Bend nightclub, officials say.
Initial reporting suggested Cranston shot Washington after he complimented Cranston’s girlfriend and asked her out, once at the bar and later outside. Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said there is no indication Washington said or did anything inappropriate during the interactions, and that Cranston’s girlfriend politely turned him away, saying she was flattered but in a relationship.
Some of Washington’s family disputed that narrative on social media, saying Washington had been harassed by the same men once before, claiming he was assaulted and called racial slurs.
Some of Washington’s family disputed that narrative on social media, saying Washington had been harassed by the same men once before, claiming he was assaulted and called racial slurs. A press release from the District Attorney’s office says that they have learned more about the incident over the last several days.
“Since the arrest of Mr. Cranston, additional evidence has been obtained. Much of this additional evidence was obtained from members of the public who came forward and shared information that was not known to the police when they arrested Mr. Cranston,” the press release said.
Family members and community members expressed outrage that police charged Cranston with second-degree manslaughter rather than murder, and that he was freed Sunday afternoon after posting 10% of his $100,000 bail.
There’s no guarantee what charges Cranston will face, that will be decided by a grand jury prior to his October 5 court meeting. Hummel and his deputy attorneys will present evidence and recommend charges to the grand jury.
“Pursuant to Oregon law, no person shall be held to face felony criminal charges unless a grand jury issues the charges. Every month there is a new panel of seven randomly selected members of our community who sit as the Deschutes County Grand Jury,” the press release said.
In the same press release, Hummel lamented the loss of life and said he’s committed to earning the trust of Washington’s family during legal proceedings.
“Barry’s family lost one of their own and our community lost a young, black man in the prime of his life, on a downtown street for a senseless reason. Barry’s life mattered and our community needs to show his family that we know this. Barry’s family should not trust me – how could they? They don’t know me. It is incumbent on me and my team to earn their trust by our actions. I commit to doing this,” Hummel said. “At the same time, Ian Cranston is presumed innocent, and in fact is innocent, unless and until my office proves his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In all cases I embrace the presumption of innocence, and this case will be no different.”
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This article appears in Sep 22-29, 2021.
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One dude was getting pummeled by another dude and decided to save his own life. Fuck black and white, This was man to man battle for survival!
Cranston shot Barry while barry was be assaulted by one of Cranstons friend. So Cranston murdered Barry. 2 guys and a gun against 1 guy does not equal self defense as cranston wants to claim.
2 guys and a gun against 1 guy is not man to man battle…. cranston shot Barry while Barry was being attacked by Cranstons friend. Seems unjustified
Does this story really need such a sensational headline?
Kudos to the Central Oregon Black Leaders Assembly (COBLA) for the approach they are taking on this tragic event. Mr. Riccardo Waites has met with Chief Krantz (Bend PD) and John Hummel (District Attorney) and is likewise interfacing with the Bend business community (downtown).
Mr. Waites, whose role as law enforcement liaison for the non-profit, is also in touch with the FBI Special Agent in Charge at the Portland, Oregon, offices. Waites likewise has a direct line to the U.S. Attorney Office (Oregon). If there is evidence of a hate crime in this shooting it would be the FBI / Federal DOJ that would spearhead a federal investigation.
In the past two days COBLA learned of and affirmed the suspect in the case has a criminal conviction in Oregon for Possession/Delivery of a Schedule 1 controlled substance (MDMA). The offense occurred in Benton County. It is not yet known if the offense was treated as a MISD or a felony but COBLA is researching that, as well.
In addition, the concealed weapons permit the shooter has is in question. Did he, as required by law, reveal his drug conviction while filling out the paperwork for the permit and if not, why not? Is the original permit from another county and if so did the suspect, upon relocation from the Valley to Deschutes County, transfer the permit as required by law (a process that involves a new background investigation be conducted)?
And how / where did the suspect obtain the handgun he was carrying? FFL store purchase? Private party? If an FFL purchase did he fill out the federal paperwork accurately and honestly?
The initial 2nd Degree manslaughter charge is based on what investigators learned at the time of the arrest. A 1st Degree murder charge must show pre-meditation, among other qualifiers. The DA’s Office is required to show a pre-meditation aspect to the Grand Jury and one the Grand Jury finds merit in. That’s the legal process.
Again, COBLA is doing yeoman’s work on behalf of the Central Oregon community-at-large and doing so in a timely, professional, and loving manner.