Man accused of 2022 murder arrested after allegedly injuring witness in 2024 shooting incident
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man who is accused of murder and attempted murder for incidents that occurred two years apart was arrested by authorities.
Jacob Fitzgerald, 23, was apprehended Monday by the Portland Police Bureau, officials said in a release. They were assisted by U.S. Marshals and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrest, Fitzgerald was transported to a local hospital to treat an unrelated illness.
On Tuesday, Fitzgerald was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder.
Police said Fitzgerald is suspected to be involved in the shooting death of 53-year-old Otis Abner in August 2022.
Authorities said they believe Fitzgerald was also involved in a shooting in Feb. 2024 in which a witness to the 2022 homicide was injured.
On Aug. 6, 2022, Abner was found dead by police just after 2 a.m. following reports of an early morning shooting in the East Columbia neighborhood. This happened in the 1100 block of North Schmeer Road, police said.
The suspect, later identified as Fitzgerald, reportedly fled the scene before police arrived.
Fitzgerald faces charges that include second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, three counts of unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of first-degree assault, first-degree attempted assault, hindering prosecution, two counts of menacing, felon in possession of a firearm and four counts of first-degree burglary.