Overview
- Gary Edwards, 43, was found not guilty of second-degree assault in the July 7 stabbing of Gregory Howard Jr. near Portland’s Union Station MAX stop.
- Transit surveillance showed Edwards approach with a fixed-blade knife, a brief scuffle after Howard stood and pushed him, and a stab to Howard’s shoulder; the video had no audio.
- Police body cameras later recorded Howard using the N-word, supporting Edwards’ self-defense claim, while prosecutors argued the timing made the slur legally irrelevant and said Edwards created the confrontation.
- Edwards faced a potential five years and 10 months under Oregon’s Measure 11 sentencing but was acquitted on Oct. 31 after admitting the stabbing and testifying he feared an attack.
- Both men are homeless and have criminal histories, including Edwards’ prior assault and stabbing convictions and Howard’s 1997 felony rape conviction in Washington state.