A Multnomah County jury has reached a verdict in the case of Jaylon Jamall Benjamin, the driver involved in the fatal October 2023 car crash which claimed the lives of James and Lisa Johnson. According to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, Benjamin was found guilty on all charges including two counts of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree animal abuse, second-degree criminal mischief, and reckless driving.
The tragic incident occurred on October 28, 2023, when Benjamin, driving a U-Haul pick-up truck, collided with the Johnsons' SUV on NE Lombard. Witnesses estimated his speed to substantially exceed the posted limit of 45 mph, as detailed by the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office. The case took a decisive turn when airbag control module data revealed that Benjamin was actually driving 100 mph seconds before the crash and only managed to slow to 80 mph upon impact—figures starkly contrasting his claim of driving at 55 mph.
In a trial that extended from November 18 to November 21, Deputy District Attorneys Chris Shull and Abbie Tornquist presented the state's case against Benjamin. The deliberation concluded on November 21, with a guilty verdict returned by the 12-person jury. The announced sentencing date is set for December 19, with Benjamin remaining in custody until that time, as per the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office.
The District Attorney's office took the occasion to extend gratitude to the Portland Police Bureau's Major Crash Team lead investigator, Chase Fullington, and victim advocates Rebecca Leediker and Lyssa Simmons for their efforts in bringing to close this impactful case.
