A Portland woman is now facing a murder charge after a December hit-and-run in the Sumner neighborhood left a man dead. Police arrested 32-year-old Mary Grace Rust on Thursday on a warrant and booked her into the Multnomah County Jail, according to court records. Prosecutors say the driver took off after the collision rather than staying at the scene.
Indictment and charges
A Multnomah County grand jury returned an indictment on Jan. 1 that charges Rust with murder in the second degree, unlawful use of a weapon and failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive. The indictment accuses Rust of "unlawfully and intentionally" causing the death. The outlet reports she is set to be arraigned Thursday at 2 p.m.
Crash and victim details
Portland police say officers were called shortly after 3 p.m. on Dec. 12 to the 8700 block of Northeast Prescott Street, where they found a man who had been hit by a vehicle. The victim was identified as 63-year-old Anthony M. Boyd. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide by blunt force trauma, according to a Portland Police press release. Detectives classified the incident as a fatal hit-and-run and urged anyone with video or witness information to come forward.
Arrest, background and court schedule
Rust was arrested on a warrant and taken to the Multnomah County Jail, where she is being held ahead of arraignment. Court records reviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive show she was on post-prison supervision at the time of the crash and had been sentenced in 2022 to nearly three years on theft-related charges. Police say investigators gathered enough evidence to present the case to a grand jury, which then issued the indictment.
What the charges carry
Oregon law treats leaving the scene of a serious crash as no minor offense. Under ORS 811.705, failing to remain and render aid is a felony, and it becomes a Class B felony when a person dies. Murder in the second degree is defined in ORS 163.115 and can carry a life sentence in many cases. Those statutes outline the legal framework prosecutors will rely on as the case moves through court.
Investigators ask for help
Portland police are still looking for more leads. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has surveillance footage is asked to email [email protected] and reference case number 25-339849, per the Portland Police press release. Detectives with the Traffic Division Major Crash Team managed the investigation at the scene and continue to follow up as they prepare the case for prosecution. People who have information but have not yet spoken with officers are being urged to reach out.
Rust’s arraignment is scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Prosecutors can file additional charges as the investigation continues. Coverage will be updated as new court filings and official statements are released.
