In a recent ruling that closes a chapter on a spate of violence in the Portland area, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Katherine von Ter Stegge delivered a verdict of guilty except for insanity in the case of Joseph Kelly Banks. Banks was convicted on multiple charges including three counts each of murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, and unlawful use of a weapon. The conviction, as reported by the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, will see Banks committed to the Oregon State Hospital, placed under the lifetime supervision of the Psychiatric Security Review Board.
Among the victims was Isaiah Hurst, tragically gunned down while driving home from breakfast on January 2, 2022. Caught amidst an ordinary act of yielding to a morning jogger at an intersection, Hurst met his unexpected end as Banks pulled alongside and opened fire. Hurst was pronounced dead at the scene, a grim tableau underscored by the eight 9mm shell casings detectives later recovered. While driving down Stark Street on February 2, 2022, Banks targeted his next victim, Jeff Ramirez, and fired upon him. Aiding the dying Ramirez in his truck, witnessed by the public, who had rendered aid, Banks fled from the scene. The casings found were later matched to those from Hurst's murder, linking the crimes together.
Immediately following the attack on Ramirez, Banks engaged in another act of violence shooting pedestrian Stephen Barrera. Barely escaping death, Barrera was aided by a nearby business until medical help could arrive, suffering serious injuries. The trajectory of violence continued on February 28 when Banks shot Lillian Cloud after a brief confrontation and Thad Thomas as he was with his family. Both victims survived despite serious injuries; the shell casings at the scenes were a match to the other shootings.
The series of attacks culminated on March 1, 2022, with the murder of Mark Johnson. In a daylight shooting at Dawson Park, Banks used the same 9mm gun to fatally wound Johnson before making an escape, leaving behind shell casings and a community marked by loss. According to witness statements obtained by law enforcement, before Banks fled, he approached Johnson, and without warning, the shots were fired.
