A series of crimes that shook the Portland community, culminating in the murder of Jacob Eli Knight-Vasquez at a local pizza restaurant, has led to a life sentence for 27-year-old Marshawn Edwards. The conviction includes a term without the possibility of parole for 52-and-a-half years, following his charge for a murder at the Silver Dollar Pizza Company on Northwest 21st Avenue and a subsequent crime spree throughout Portland, as reported by KATU.

On Sept. 24, 2021, Edwards, associated with the Rollin' 60s Crips, fired into the pizzeria during an apparent gang-related conflict aimed at rival Bloods members, inadvertently hitting Knight-Vasquez who had stopped in for a beer after work, two other individuals also fell victim to the shooting but survived, as noted by OregonLive.

"His absence has really dimmed the light in our lives" said Wendy Vasquez-Osborn, the victim's sister, in a statement obtained by KGW. Edwards's subsequent criminal acts included shooting a machine gun outside a bar in a residential southeast Portland neighborhood, and a robbery at gunpoint, before being arrested in March 2021.

In addition to the life-altering consequences faced by the victim’s loved ones, Multnomah County Judge Rachel Plank highlighted the widespread damage and hurt Edwards's actions caused to community, strangers alike this was shared during the sentencing where many of Edwards’ family members were present, testimony from former teachers, family, and friends was also considered, but it could not mitigate the severity of the sentence, reports KATU.

The defense, indicating plans to file an appeal, declined their chance to address the court on Edwards’s behalf. The sentence reflects not only the loss of Knight-Vasquez but also illuminates the ripple of grief and fear that crimes such as these impart on the fabric of a community.