A White man has been charged with murder for fatally shooting a Black man he claims complimented his white girlfriend outside a bar in Oregon.
27-year-old Ian Cranston was charged on Thursday with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon for fatally shooting 22-year-old Barry Washington Jr.
Cranston allegedly shot Washington on September 19th after a confrontation at the bar turned into a physical altercation.
Authorities say that earlier in the evening, Washington reportedly complimented a white woman outside of the Capitol Club. The woman told Washington that she had a boyfriend and Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said Washington “responded appropriately” to her rejection.
Later in the evening, however, Washington became involved in a fight outside of the bar with Cranston and other people he was with. “Some words were exchanged, and some punches were thrown,” Hummel described.
Cranston reportedly “pulled a gun out of his waistband and shot,” hitting Washington once.
The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he died. Cranston was arrested that night on suspicion of second-degree manslaughter but was released after posting a $10,000 bond.
After the world’s outcry for justice after Cranston posted bail, he was arraigned Friday on the charges of second-degree murder, first- and second-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. Deschutes County Circuit Judge Beth Bagley set his plea hearing for Dec. 7.
Cranston is currently being held without bail, and Hummel considers adding a hate crime charge against him.
It’s good to see that they gave him a more sever charge.