After a deliberation by a Multnomah County jury, Damariea Ramone Harris has been found guilty on charges including Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm. The verdict comes following a violent episode outside the Venue Gentlemen's Club on April 1, resulting in the death of Marieo Camel-Harris and the serious injury of Larry Bell, Jr. According to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, surveillance footage captured the crime, aiding police in apprehending Harris, who now faces life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
Harris was not only convicted of murder but also attempted murder, assault, unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. With the evidence on tape, Senior Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kyle-Castelli expressed her contentment with the jury's conclusions. "I’m pleased that the jury was able to see that the defendant was indeed the gunman in the surveillance video. The Defendant ambushed and executed Morieo, even though the criminal justice system cannot bring Morieo back, I hope they find closure that Damariea Harris will be held accountable for this brazen, mid-day murder," Kyle-Castelli told the District Attorney's Office.
In detailing the events leading up to the arrest, investigators learned that Harris had been inside the club briefly but left after being asked for a security pat-down. Returning without his cross body bag, he was scanned in by Venue's security, only to leave moments later. It was outside where the fatal confrontation occurred. Following the catastrophic event, police were able to track down Harris after a tip-off from his own parole and probation officer.
Harris’ sentencing is set to take place at the Multnomah County Courthouse at 9 a.m. on April 30. Presiding over the case, Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge will deliver the final judgement. In the meantime, the District Attorney’s Office has extended thanks to the Portland Police Bureau’s Detective Calvin Goldring, and MCDA Investigators Matt Estes and Anthony Merrill for their role in the investigation. Further, they've commended MCDA Victim Advocates Kristen Stowell and Suzanne Rapagnani for their sensitive assistance throughout the legal process, the DA's statement added, highlighting the humane aspect behind the often cold mechanics of legal procedure.
