Ian Cranston was found guilty Wednesday of first and second degree manslaughter, first degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon in the death of Barry Washington, Jr. He was found not guilty of second degree murder.
Washington was shot and killed in downtown Bend in September 2021.
“I’m just pleased to have some sort of justice for my son,” said Washington’s mother, Lawanda Roberson, after the verdict was read. “This has been very hard and hopefully this is just something that will bring a little bit of closure.”
Roberson said she understood the case was a hard one and was thankful that the jury did not side with the self-defense argument.
Following six days of attorney arguments and testimony, the jury spent Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning deliberating before coming to their decision. The jury heard from multiple witnesses including from Cranston, his friend Tyler Smith, his fiancé, police officers who responded to the scene and forensic investigation experts.
“Today is not a day to rejoice, nor is it a day to celebrate,” Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said in a statement. “Today is a day of accountability for Ian Cranston and it is day 424 of Barry Washington’s family and our community mourning his passing. By all accounts, Barry was a dear friend to many and a wonderful son to Lawanda Roberson. This verdict does not provide Ms. Roberson what she ultimately wants, but hopefully knowing that the residents of Deschutes County valued Barry’s life provides her some comfort moving forward.”
Kevin Sali, Cranston’s attorney, said he would be filing an appeal.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 28 at 2:30 p.m.
After the verdict was read, supporters of Washington marched through the streets shouting “Black Lives Matter” and “Barry Washington.” They gathered at Barry’s Corner where a memorial has stood for more than a year at the place where Washington was killed.
RELATED: Ian Cranston murder trial in death of Barry Washington Jr. begins
RELATED: Ian Cranston’s fiancé testifies on Day 2 of murder trial
RELATED: Ian Cranston’s friend Tyler Smith testifies on Day 3 of murder trial
RELATED: Ian Cranston testifies on Day 4 of murder trial: ‘I didn’t want him to die’
RELATED: Defense rests on Day 5 of Ian Cranston murder trial
RELATED: Attorneys give arguments about what jury should consider
RELATED: Jury deliberations begin in Ian Cranston murder trial
