Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez has announced the convening of a grand jury to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Damon Lamarr Johnson, a 52-year-old Portland resident, who died in police custody on June 27.
This move comes as part of a case-specific approach to such incidents, as Vasquez has previously opted not to impanel a grand jury regarding another shooting involving law enforcement.
In a statement, Vasquez expressed that Johnson’s death is a “tragedy for all involved,” emphasizing the profound loss felt by the family, friends, and community.
“I believe it is essential to understand how and why the situation developed to the point of resulting in a death,” Vasquez stated.
The grand jury’s focus will center on whether there is sufficient evidence to charge the three officers involved in the encounter—J.P. Duque Valencia, Travis Wortman, and Jason Epton—with any criminal offenses.
Earlier that day, officers had responded to reports of Johnson acting erratically at his North Portland apartment.
Witnesses indicated he was spreading shaving cream on the walls, flooding his unit, and displaying unusual behavior such as grunting at passersby and hanging knives out of his window, which led to staff evacuating the building’s third floor.
Body-camera footage later revealed Johnson was detained on a mental-health hold, during which he lost consciousness while lying face down for approximately four minutes, a position known to hinder breathing.
Research from the Police Executive Research Forum highlighted the risks associated with the prone position, recommending that law enforcement personnel remove individuals from this position as soon as feasible.
Despite this guidance, body-camera footage showed that officers requested paramedics only after failing to reposition Johnson, raising questions about adherence to protocols that call for ensuring the safety of restrained individuals.
Portland police policy stipulates that officers must ensure those in custody are positioned safely and must call emergency services if they observe signs of medical distress.
At a press conference earlier this month, Police Chief Bob Day acknowledged that officers are trained in recovery positions and stated that an investigation would examine why Johnson was not moved to a safer position.
Family members, including Johnson’s uncle, Willie Johnson, indicated that police initially informed them that his death was due to a heart attack; however, an official medical examiner’s report has yet to be released.
The circumstances of Johnson’s death have sparked criticism from mental-health advocacy organizations, police watchdog groups, and various city councilors.
On Wednesday, a community organization responsible for overseeing federally mandated police reforms in Portland held a listening session focused on Johnson’s death, attracting around 60 attendees, including several city councilors.
Participants voiced concerns about the need for adequate mental health support and advocated for an expanded role for Portland Street Response, which deploys trained, unarmed mental health workers to crisis situations.
Currently, Portland Street Response operates from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and recent budgeting efforts have increased funding to enhance staffing, with an aim for 24/7 service availability.
“Damon Lamarr Johnson deserves to be here today,” stated Councilor Angelita Morillo, underscoring the systemic failures that contributed to this tragic incident.
As this investigation unfolds, the wider implications of Johnson’s death are likely to resonate through ongoing discussions regarding police conduct and the treatment of individuals facing mental health challenges in the community.
Zaeem Shaikh covers criminal justice issues and the Portland Police Bureau for The Oregonian/OregonLive.
His contact information is 503-221-4323, [email protected], or on X@zaeemshake.
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