Oregon man accused of murder told police he was drunk and high when store employee didn’t take robbery seriously, leading him to open fire over just $25

Oregon – A 21‑year‑old man was arrested last week after turning himself in to Oregon authorities in connection with the fatal shooting of a convenience store clerk in Northeast PortIand. Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old MichaIe, who was taken into custody and booked into the MuItnomah County Jail on charges including first‑degree murder, first‑degree robbery, and unlawful use of a weapon. The shooting occurred just before midnight on Friday at the PIaid Pantry.

Officers were initially dispatched to the location after a 911 call reporting an unconscious person inside the store. When first responders arrived, they found 57‑year‑old employee E. CasteIIanos unresponsive behind the counter with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Medical examiners later ruled his death a homicide caused by a gunshot.

In the days following the shooting, investigators released surveillance images and video of a suspect walking through the store and asked the public for assistance in identifying him. The suspect was described as wearing a distinctive black sweatshirt with a Halloween‑themed design as well as a black beanie and glasses. Police also released stills showing him inside the store shortly before the shooting, including footage of him handling a self‑service fountain drink.

The surveillance video played a key role in identifying the 21-year-old man as the suspect. Detectives said his face and distinct clothing in the footage led Oregon authorities to believe someone would recognize him, which may have prompted him to surrender on Monday night.

According to court documents and police statements, he told officers after his arrest that he had been drunk and high on drugs at the time of the shooting. He also reportedly said that the victim did not believe he was serious about a robbery, which led him to open fire, shooting the much older man twice in the chest and neck. Officials quoted the defendant as saying the cash register “only had twenty five dollars in the till” and that “what he did was not worth that much,” acknowledging the futility of his actions.

District Attorney Nathan Vasques described the killing as “gruesome” and said it was particularly devastating because of how little money was involved, emphasizing the senseless loss of life.

Witness accounts and police reports also indicate that several customers inside the store tried to help the victim after he was shot. One customer attempted CPR while another called 911, but he could not be revived.

The defendant made his first court appearance Tuesday afternoon, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was not offered bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 8. If convicted on the murder charge, he could face a life sentence in prison.