Luke Gentry was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of Justin Corniel-Tapec in 2023, according to Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez. Gentry was convicted on January 17. Gresham police responded to a 911 call and found Corniel-Tapec with stab wounds at 3:45 p.m. on November 22, 2023. He died from his injuries on November 29, 2023, as reported by the City of Gresham.
Authorities used surveillance footage to identify Gentry fleeing the scene. He was arrested by the East Metro SWAT team in Troutdale on November 25. Gentry was initially charged with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. After Corniel-Tapec's death, the charges were upgraded to include Murder in the Second Degree. Gresham police stated, "This was a brutal, unprovoked, and senseless attack," as stated the City of Gresham.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Kevin Demer, working with the East County Major Crimes Team led by Detective Conroy, investigated the case and prosecuted Gentry. After the trial and sentencing, Justin Corniel-Tapec’s family released a statement recognizing the efforts of Detective Conroy and Senior Deputy District Attorney Demer. The statement noted that "While nothing can ever make up for the loss of a life," as mentioned by the City of Gresham.
