Timothy Ryan Donovan, in recent news, received a 29-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges of criminally negligent homicide. The sentencing, handed down by Judge Kathleen Proctor on Tuesday, concludes a case that began with the overdose death of Ryan Hackett last year. Donovan's guilt and punishment were measured out by the Washington County legal system, with Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeff MacLean leading the prosecution efforts, as reported by the Washington County District Attorney's Office.
The incident at the heart of this case unfolded on September 12, 2024, according to details reported by the Washington County District Attorney's Office. Tigard police responded to a distressing call at a local motel, where they found Hackett unresponsive due a lethal mix of drugs, including fentanyl. He was rushed to a hospital, but the efforts bore no fruit against the potency of his dose.
Surveillance footage showed Donovan was with the victim the morning of the overdose, entering and leaving Hackett’s motel room in about 15 minutes. Donovan admitted giving Hackett fentanyl and said he warned him about its strength. Police say that after Hackett passed out, Donovan gave him Narcan, gathered his things, and left without calling for help, as stated by the Washington County District Attorney's Office.
As Donovan prepares for his term with the Oregon Department of Corrections, the DA's Office highlights a critical statute for the public's attention. ORS 475.898 ensures that individuals seeking medical assistance for overdose will not face criminal charges, a policy that emphasizes saving lives over punitive measures, as per the Washington County District Attorney's Office.
