Oregon Road Rage KILLING—Man Sentenced After Shooting Grandpa Over a SANDWICH!
An Oregon man was sentenced after a violent crime spree that began when he gunned down a grandfather for throwing a sandwich at his car. 🌐 #News #PortlandOR #Oregon #Crime
PORTLAND, OR — An Oregon man will spend the next 34 years behind bars after a shocking road rage incident that escalated into murder. Prosecutors say Jacob Fitzgerald, 24, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, attempted murder, assault, armed burglary, and robbery. A judge handed down the lengthy sentence on Wednesday, following a violent crime spree that spanned nearly two years.
The deadly chain of events began on August 6, 2022, near Delta Park in Portland. Fitzgerald was driving with his then-girlfriend and 53-year-old Otis Abner when a heated argument broke out. In a fit of rage, Fitzgerald kicked Abner out of the car and sped off.
What happened next left witnesses stunned—Abner hurled a sandwich at Fitzgerald’s car from across the street. Enraged, Fitzgerald grabbed a gun and fired multiple rounds at Abner, striking him once and killing him on the spot.
A Brazen Escape and a Trail of Violence
Instead of turning himself in, Fitzgerald fled the scene and later set his car on fire to destroy evidence.
Police recovered seven shell casings near the crime scene, and investigators used surveillance footage to piece together what happened. Two bystanders discovered Abner’s lifeless body and alerted authorities.
But the violence didn’t end there.
Eighteen months after the fatal shooting, on February 11, 2024, Fitzgerald resurfaced—this time targeting his now-ex-girlfriend.
He tracked her down to a trailer where she was living with her new boyfriend. With his sister, Joanna Fitzgerald, by his side, he opened fire on the trailer, hitting his ex-girlfriend in the face and arm. Miraculously, she survived.
Joanna Fitzgerald is now facing charges for her role in the attack.
Arrest and Sentencing
Just weeks later, on March 18, 2024, Fitzgerald committed an armed robbery. The following day, police finally caught up with him and placed him under arrest.
Deputy District Attorney Andrew MacMillan described Fitzgerald as a serious threat, saying his actions left behind years of devastation. He explained that while the 34-year sentence was unusually high for a plea deal, it was justified given the severity of the crimes.
The case sent shockwaves through the community, as Abner—a grandfather of six—lost his life over what started as a simple argument. Now, Fitzgerald will spend decades behind bars for a series of reckless, violent decisions that cost lives and shattered families.
A Moment for Reflection
Otis Abner was more than a victim—he was a grandfather of six, a man whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. His loss is felt not only by his loved ones but also by a community that has witnessed too many tragedies like this. While justice has been served, may his story remind us all to value life, seek peace, and hold on to the hope that change is always possible. Thanks for reading this article, we appreciate it! Until next time, remember: you deserve to feel good today! — Jack and Kitty Norton, Founders and Editors
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Oregon
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