PORTLAND, OREGON – A jury has acquitted Jason Robert Steiner, a 35-year-old manager at a La Mota cannabis dispensary, of all charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, stemming from a fatal shooting incident in October 2024. Steiner was accused of killing two armed individuals during a late-night robbery attempt at the North Portland store. The verdict, reached after deliberations, found that Steiner acted in lawful self-defense.
The incident occurred on October 3, 2024, when three masked individuals entered the La Mota store. According to court documents and surveillance footage, the suspects held Steiner at gunpoint, forcing him out of the building and taking store merchandise. Prosecutors contended that Steiner had the opportunity to flee the scene and did not need to resort to deadly force. They argued he shot the robbers in the back as they were leaving, suggesting it was not a clear act of self-defense.
However, Steiner’s defense attorneys successfully argued that he feared for his life and acted to protect himself. Steiner testified that after being forced out of the store, he heard one of the robbers question what he might have on him, leading him to believe they might pursue him. He also stated that his car keys were inside the building, and he worried they might take his car. After retrieving a handgun from his bag, Steiner positioned himself near a drive-through window and fired approximately 13 shots into the building, killing two of the alleged robbers, identified as 18-year-old King Lawrence and 20-year-old Tahir Burley. A third suspect fled the scene and remains unidentified.
The defense emphasized that the weapons used by the robbers were real and capable of causing death. Defense attorney Thalia Sady stated during closing arguments that the intruders were “prepared and ready to kill that night.” The jury ultimately sided with the defense, agreeing that Steiner had the legal right to defend himself under Oregon’s self-defense statutes.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Steiner, the sole employee working at the La Mota location that night, turned himself in to authorities shortly after the incident. He was initially charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and several counts of unlawful use of a weapon. Throughout the legal process, Steiner maintained his plea of not guilty.
The case highlighted the complex legal landscape surrounding self-defense, particularly in situations involving armed robbery. Oregon law permits the use of physical force, including deadly force, when a person reasonably believes it is necessary to defend themselves or others from imminent unlawful physical force or the commission of certain violent crimes. While Oregon is not strictly a “stand your ground” state, its laws do not impose a duty to retreat when a person is in a place they have a lawful right to be, such as their place of business.
The prosecution’s argument that Steiner could have fled was countered by the defense’s assertion that he reasonably feared for his safety and that the robbers’ actions posed an immediate threat. Surveillance footage played a crucial role, showing the robbers pointing guns at Steiner and him retrieving his weapon. However, conflicting interpretations emerged regarding whether the robbers had their weapons drawn when Steiner opened fire, and whether their backs were turned.
Implications for Oregon’s Cannabis Industry
This incident also brings to light broader concerns about security within the burgeoning cannabis industry in Oregon and across the nation. Dispensaries have frequently been targets of robberies due to the perception of high cash reserves and valuable product, further complicated by federal banking restrictions that necessitate cash-heavy operations. In Portland, cannabis businesses have faced significant security challenges, with some experiencing multiple break-ins and violent encounters.
The shooting and the subsequent trial underscore the delicate balance these businesses must strike between security and daily operations. Many dispensaries have responded by enhancing security measures, including surveillance systems and personnel. The outcome of Steiner’s case may prompt further discussions about the legal rights and responsibilities of employees in such high-risk environments. This news serves as a significant event in the ongoing discourse surrounding public safety, self-defense, and the unique challenges faced by the legal cannabis sector.
This particular La Mota location had experienced four previous reported robberies. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission had opened an investigation into the incident, noting no prior violations for the licensed La Mota establishment.
