A Multnomah County jury has found Michael Anthony Mazzi, aged 35, guilty of breaking into and terrorizing an elderly couple in their own home, as reported by the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office. Mazzi was convicted on charges including four counts of Burglary in the First Degree, Coercion, Menacing, and Criminal Mischief. The verdict came swiftly, with the jury reaching a decision in just half an hour.
The incident, which has shaken the 76- and 85-year-old victims, occurred when Mazzi forced entry into their residence. During the trial, Mazzi's excuse was that he had accidentally ingested bath salts instead of methamphetamine. However, the seriousness of his actions and their effect on the couple were evident, with the justice system reacting with comparable gravity, according to the prosecution.
Branden Meadows, Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney, led the prosecution and, after Mazzi's conviction, emphasized the severity of the crime. "A home is where people deserve to feel the safest, and Mr. Mazzi violated that sanctity for the victims. The impact of this man’s crime is still being felt today by the victims. His actions earned him a significant prison sentence and the state will be requesting that," Meadows said in a statement on the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office website. He also expressed his desire for justice to aid the victims’ healing process.
Appreciation was specifically extended to the Portland Police SERT team, for their work was indeed thorough, those officers including Andrew Feist, Joshua Faris, and Sara Gibbons were instrumental in building the case against Mazzi, as was mentioned in a statement from the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office. Acknowledgement was also given to MCDA Victim’s Advocate Allison Miller for providing care and compassion to the affected couple throughout the ordeal.
