An Oregon man has pleaded guilty to killing a local father who tried to check on a woman he noticed crying in the gunman's parked car, authorities said.
Arvoni Hayes, 25, of Portland, entered guilty pleas this week to first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the July 2024 shooting death of Aaron McInnis, 30, according to court documents obtained by The Oregonian.
Background
The killing unfolded near Normandale Park in Northeast Portland on a summer night when McInnis was dropping off a friend in the area. Witnesses told police and local news outlets that McInnis noticed a woman crying inside a parked car where Hayes was sitting with her and decided to stop and check if she needed help.
According to court documents, Hayes was "completely naked" inside the vehicle at the time. McInnis approached and asked Hayes to step out of the car to speak with him, prompting Hayes to drive away from the scene.
"I heard roughly 10 gunshots," a resident told local Fox affiliate KPTV a day after the shooting.
Hayes later stopped his car at a nearby intersection. McInnis began walking toward the vehicle, and that's when Hayes exited and opened fire, striking McInnis multiple times before fleeing the area, according to police.
The Charges
McInnis was struck by gunfire multiple times and later died at a local hospital from his injuries. Police launched an investigation and eventually tracked down Hayes months after the killing.
Hayes was initially arrested and charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a loaded firearm in a public place. He pleaded guilty this week to first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon as part of a plea deal that resulted in the murder charge being dropped.
"[McInnis] was the victim of a violent homicide," a GoFundMe page established for McInnis's family reads. "This senseless crime committed against him has left an enormous gap for his family to try to piece together, especially his 10-year-old son, Blake."
The woman who was in the car with Hayes told investigators she feared for her life during the encounter, though authorities have not disclosed why.
Key Takeaways
- Aaron McInnis, a 30-year-old Portland sales representative and father of a 10-year-old son, was killed after approaching a parked car to check on a crying woman
- Arvoni Hayes, 25, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon; his second-degree murder charge was dropped as part of the plea deal
- Witnesses reported hearing approximately 10 gunshots during the incident near Normandale Park
- Police say Hayes was naked inside the vehicle when McInnis approached
- Prosecutors are seeking an 18-year prison sentence at sentencing
What's Next
Hayes is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 14. Prosecutors have recommended an 18-year sentence in connection with the killing of the father described by loved ones as someone who "touched my life amongst the lives of so many others" and "had a heart of gold that never ceased supporting those in need."
The case represents a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who intervene to help strangers, authorities have noted.