The shooting at a Portland cannabis store was not self-defense

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – A Portland cannabis store employee was charged with murder last week for shooting two armed robbers. However, according to the public prosecutor’s office, it was not a case of self-defense.

On Thursday, 34-year-old Jason Steiner pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.

In recently released court documents, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office contends that Steiner was in no danger when he pulled the trigger.

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According to the prosecutor, Steiner told police that on Oct. 3 he was held at gunpoint by three armed men at the La Mota Pharmacy in the 9400 block of North St. Louis Avenue, where he worked alone.

He told police he allowed the men to take whatever they wanted and then Steiner said he left the store with a gun hidden in a bag.

He told investigators that he walked around the building, looked in through the driveway window and then opened fire on the men, who he believed were still holding their weapons.

In the documents, the prosecutor’s office said there was no apparent reason for Steiner to remain nearby, and video evidence shows the men had no weapons in their hands.

The two men shot were 18-year-old King Lawrence and 20-year-old Tahir Burley.

In addition to the police case, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission is launching its own investigation into possible administrative violations related to the shooting.

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