Family Sues for $51 Million After Worker Stabbed to Death at Gresham Mental Health Home

GRESHAM, Ore. — The family of a carer who was stabbed to death by a patient at a Gresham facility for people suffering from mental health conditions is seeking $51 million in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Twenty-six-year-old Haley Rogers, of Banks, was stabbed by James Calvin Smith (62) while working alone on the night shift at the Cascadia McCarthy Place group home in July 2023.

The Patient was Committed For Life to the Oregon State Hospital

Smith, who was committed to the Oregon State Hospital for life, was subsequently found guilty in April 2025. except for insanity, of second-degree murder, the unlawful use of a weapon, and tampering with physical evidence.

The lawsuit, filed in the Multnomah County District Court last week, is claiming $50 million for the conscious pain, suffering, fear, and hopelessness that Rogers allegedly experienced before her death.

It is also seeking $500,000 each for loss of her companionship and intentional misconduct. The family has lodged a further $10,000 claim for funeral expenses.

The incident occurred on July 16, 2023, when Rogers was found dead from apparent stab wounds by a co-worker who arrived at the Gresham facility at 7 a.m. to begin the day shift.

Gresham Police officers responded to a 911 call and found signs of an apparent struggle in the common area. Based on an investigation, Smith was identified as the suspect and taken into custody.