PORTLAND, Ore. — It's been 10 months since a Portland couple were killed when a speeding driver hit their SUV. Now, they're asking the community to support their call for accountability and safer streets.
James and Lisa Johnson were 64 and 60 years old when they died violent deaths on Northeast Lombard Street last October. The couple left behind three grown children and other family and friends. Tanaira Johnson misses her parents every day, and she's not alone.
“No one's fine,” said Johnson. “I think when tragic and fatal car crashes that happen like this unexpectedly no one will ever really be fine."
Investigators said 30-year-old Jaylon Benjamin was speeding, when he smashed into the Johnsons as they attempted to turn off Lombard. Some witnesses said Benjamin was going as fast as 90 miles an hour. Family members have said that they've been clear that they want the case against him to go to trial.
“Throughout the entire time they told us they have strong evidence we are ready to go to trial," Johnson said. "We've had several meetings with them and we explicitly explained that we weren't interested in a plea deal."
But, after turning down several plea offers from the defense, the Multnomah County District Attorney is accepting a deal that gives Benjamin a 10 year prison sentence, for two counts of second-degree manslaughter.
The DA's office sent KGW a statement that said in part: "We recognize the position of the family in this case and empathize with them amidst their loss.”
But they added:
“The plea that was reached is very near the statutory maximum for the charges, and the determination was made to not proceed to trial.”
"The justice system should recognize humanity but we realize volume speaks, so are you going to make our voices heard,” said Johnson.
The family has a Change.org petition going, with community members signing on to push for safer streets in Portland, and more accountability for dangerous drivers from the justice system. Adding, that every life matters and the loss of the Johnsons, will always be huge.
“Two lives were lost, two very vibrant pillars of the community. They gave a lot back to the community they were always there,” Johnson said.
A plea agreement hearing is set for October 11 at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 14C of the Multnomah County Courthouse.