A brutal chapter of violence that shook the Beaverton community reached its legal conclusion as Salvador Antonio Martinez-Romero, found guilty of a ruthless stabbing spree, received his sentence to life in prison last month. The shocking sequence of events, that included murder and three attempted murders began when Martinez-Romero, high on methamphetamine, escalated a robbery attempt into a killing inside a bank in the Murrayhill area.
On December 18, 2019, Martinez-Romero, after purchasing a chef's knife at a grocery store, entered the bank with the intent to rob it as Janet Risch, who would become the murder victim, was withdrawing money inside the bank for her grandchildren's Christmas gifts — in this setting, Risch lost her life, and others nearly lost theirs. Deb Thompson, Risch's daughter, survived a grave throat injury inflicted by Martinez-Romero, who after receiving money from the tellers started to flee the scene, he not only stabbed Thompson but her mother too who tragically succumbed to her injuries despite bystanders' aid.
According to the detailed statements released by the Beaverton Police Department, Martinez-Romero's spree didn't end at the bank. After escaping in a car taken from a bystander, the violence continued; he abandoned the stolen vehicle in Tigard, Oregon, subsequently attacking and stealing a car from a fourth victim. Martinez-Romero's arrest came after a desperate pursuit, his capture near a high school, and subsequent discovery of the stolen cash.
Judge Brandon Thompson sentenced Martinez-Romero to life in prison with a minimum of 30 years before parole eligibility, along with additional time for the attempted murders and robberies — these pointing to the gravity of his crimes, the sentences are to be served consecutively ensuring that the bereaved and injured might find solace in his extended stay behind bars Senior Deputy District Attorneys John Gerhard and Allison Brown who prosecuted the case have expressed sympathy for the survivors and heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Risch.
