In a city already marred by violent crime, Portland has been left reeling by a shocking daylight road rage incident that resulted in the murder of a local driver and the shooting of a visiting tourist.
Geoffrey E. Hammond, a 46-year-old affluent businessman from Portland, stands accused of the brutal murder of driver Ryan Martin, 47, and the shooting of Phoenix tourist, Samuel Gomez, 48. The incident occurred in downtown Portland on Wednesday afternoon, according to police reports.
Hammond faces charges of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, and fourth-degree assault in connection with the killing of Martin and the shooting of Gomez, as reported by local law enforcement.
The Oregonian detailed the chilling sequence of events, stating that Martin had left his vehicle to confront Hammond following a heated exchange. Hammond allegedly shot and killed Martin when the unarmed man approached his vehicle and tapped on his window. Martin was left lifeless on the sidewalk, having been shot in the chest.
A harrowing photograph taken by Gomez, the second victim, captured the moment Hammond aimed his gun at him, moments after allegedly shooting Martin. "He got the gun loaded and he just straight looked at me and then, as you can see in the picture, just popped me," Gomez told the outlet. Gomez, who suffered a bullet wound to the leg that broke both femurs, is currently recovering in the hospital. "I'm just grateful that I'm alive because it could have been worse," he added.
Gomez was in Portland to speak at the National Organization of Minority Architects' annual conference. Ironically, the conference had issued a safety memo to attendees, advising them to avoid walking around Portland due to the surge in violent crime.
Court records reveal that Hammond, who recently changed his legal name from Jeffrey Edward Mandalis, has a criminal history, including convictions for assault, vandalism, trespassing, and domestic battery. The Daily Mail reports that Hammond admitted to the shootings and subsequently turned himself in at the Multnomah county courthouse.
Witnesses reported that Hammond flashed a badge during the incident, giving the impression of being a police officer. He allegedly told one of the victims, "You are lucky I didn't shoot you in the head." According to the affidavit, Hammond justified his actions by claiming that Martin had threatened him and that Gomez might have been armed.
Hammond, who filed for bankruptcy in May 2023 following the closure of his financing company and accruing over $34,000 in credit card debt, is known to own four weapons, a 2020 Mercedes SUV, and a $890,000 property in Portland's West Hills.
Portland, with a record 101 homicides in 2022, is notorious for its high murder rate. This latest incident only adds to the city's grim reputation.
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