A man has admitted to committing a series of crimes, including a bank robbery and multiple stabbings, one of which resulted in a tragic loss of life. These incidents occurred in 2019, and the perpetrator was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time.
A plea of guilty was entered by Salvador Antonio Martinez-Romero on Aug. 7 for charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and first-degree robbery, as announced by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. Martinez-Romero was sentenced by a judge on Aug. 13 to life in prison with the chance of parole after 30 years for murder, along with nine years for the other convictions.
According to reports, on December 18, 2019, Martinez-Romero purchased a large chef’s knife from a grocery store while under the influence of methamphetamine. According to prosecutors, he proceeded to enter a bank in the vicinity and, brandishing a knife, demanded cash from the tellers.
Janet Risch, one of the victims, had gone to the location to withdraw money for her grandchildren’s Christmas presents, as per the district attorney’s office. According to reports, Martinez-Romero allegedly attacked Deb Thompson, the adult daughter of Risch, from behind when he became impatient with the money and slit her throat.
It is reported that cash was given by tellers to Martinez-Romero. According to prosecutors, he proceeded to fatally stab Risch in the back. Despite the efforts of Risch’s daughter and bank tellers, Risch tragically passed away due to her injuries. Thompson managed to survive the attack, although authorities have stated that she sustained permanent injuries.
As Martinez-Romero fled the scene, he allegedly approached another individual to take possession of their vehicle. A brave individual intervened to prevent a theft, but unfortunately, Martinez-Romero resorted to violence and inflicted severe injuries by stabbing the victim in the chest, according to the district attorney’s office.
The suspect drove the stolen car to a residential area in Tigard, Oregon, where they left the vehicle behind. Another victim allegedly pulled over her car near the vehicle, and Martinez-Romero proceeded to stab her in the leg and torso. According to prosecutors, he proceeded to take her car without permission.
Authorities chased after Martinez-Romero, who later abandoned the vehicle and escaped on foot. Authorities apprehended the individual in close proximity to a local educational institution, promptly detaining him. During the course of their investigation, law enforcement uncovered a significant sum of money concealed within the suspect’s trousers, as well as discreetly stashed beneath a nearby accumulation of foliage.