Portland Marijuana Shop Worker Faces Life in Prison After Shooting Two Robbers Dead

PORTLAND, Ore. — A first-degree murder hearing against Jason Steiner (35), accused of gunning down and killing two robbers, has begun and is expected to last for up to a week.

Steiner, who worked at a La Mota marijuana shop in the St. John’s Neighborhood, Portland, is accused of shooting 14 rounds at King H. Lawrence (18) and Tahir D. Burley (20), both of Milwaukie, as they were removing cannabis products from the shop shelves.

The robbery took place on October 3, 2024, and surveillance footage of the incident was shown in the Multnomah County Court to presiding Judge Celia Howes and a jury of eight women and six men.

The footage, without sound, first shows Steiner leaving the shop on North Saint Louis Avenue. He is clutching a black bag in which his handgun is stored.

One of the masked men is seen watching Steiner apparently leaving the store, before turning his attention back to placing cannabis into bags together with his two colleagues.

Steiner Fired at Least 14 Shots at the Robbers

However, instead of leaving the premises, the footage shows Steiner hurrying to the back of the building. Positioning himself at a window looking into the store, Steiner opens fire on the robbers.

Lawrence was struck in the head, and Burley was shot twice in the chest. Prosecutors told the courtroom that Steiner had fired at least 14 shots at the robbers.

The third robber, Jalen Hudson (21), escaped without injury.

Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer pointed out that none of the robbers appeared to be armed, while defense attorney Ted Occhialino said that after the shooting, his client had immediately called 911 and identified himself.

If found guilty, Steiner faces a minimum of life in prison with the possibility of parole in 30 years.