Driver found guilty of manslaughter in 2023 Northeast Portland fatal crash

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The man involved in a Northeast Portland 2023 high speed crash which killed two people was found guilty on all counts, the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office announced Friday morning.

The original incident happened Oct. 28, 2023 when Jaylon Benjamin was driving in a U-Haul pickup truck with his dog on Northeast Lombard. He then then hit a black SUV driven by James and Lisa Johnson after the SUV was trying to turn off onto Northeast 33rd Avenue.

Both James and Lisa died at the scene from their injuries.

Officials said Benjamin claimed he was driving 55 miles per hour, was unable to stop in time to avoid the crash and his dog "went flying in the car."

However, prosecutors said data from the U-Haul's airbag showed he had been driving 100 miles per hour two seconds before the crash, then hit the brakes one second before, hitting the SUV at 80 miles per hour.

A Multnomah County jury found Benjamin guilty on all counts including second-degree manslaughter, second-degree animal abuse, second-degree criminal mischief and reckless driving.

Benjamin is currently in custody until his sentencing on Dec. 19.