Oregon man convicted of killing his roommate and threatening to take his own life
11/07/2023 12:22 pm PST
HILLSBORO, Ore. (TCD) -- A man has been convicted of killing his roommate in 2021 and threatening to shoot himself while armed with multiple weapons and over 100 rounds of ammunition.
According to a news release from the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, on Friday, Nov. 3, a jury found James Dewhurst guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm after deliberating for approximately three hours.
On the morning of Aug. 30, 2021, Dewhurst called a suicide hotline and revealed he was armed and planning to fatally shoot himself. He also said he intended to fight law enforcement and was preparing for a "gunfight with police."
A Beaverton Police Department officer spoke with Dewhurst on the phone to assist, and while they were talking, Dewhurst reportedly admitted that he killed his roommate, 43-year-old Rocky Harkins.
According to the district attorney’s office, officers successfully negotiated with Dewhurst to leave his apartment, and they apprehended him without incident. During a search of his home, police found Harkins dead from a single, "close-range" gunshot wound. Officers also recovered two Glock handguns and an AR-15 rifle, along with a tactical vest with several loaded rifle magazines and more than 150 rounds of ammunition.
Further investigation revealed that Dewhurst put together the weaponry after shooting Harkins but before he called the suicide hotline.
In court, Dewhurst argued that he shot the victim in self-defense.
Dewhurst’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 1, and he remains held in the Washington County Jail.
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