Drum Circle Shooting: Man Convicted | Mom of 5 Shot
- Wyatt Storm Belcher, 28, will spend his life in prison for the 2022 second-degree murder of Ash Smith at a Portland drum circle.
- Smith, 31, a mother of five, was shot in the back of the neck on May 8, 2022, as the drum circle event dispersed.
- Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin acknowledged the compassion shown to Smith in her final moments.
Wyatt Belcher has been sentenced to life in prison for teh 2022 murder of Ash Smith at a Portland drum circle, a case that gripped the community. The verdict, delivered after a swift deliberation, brings closure to the family of the mother of five, Smith. This article details the events of that tragic day, focusing on the compassion shown by witnesses and the swift apprehension of Belcher near the scene. We explore the details of the crime, the DA’s statements, and the challenges with mental health exhibited by Belcher. News Directory 3 will continue to keep you updated on this and othre stories. Discover what’s next in this developing situation.
Life Sentance for Man in Portland Drum Circle Shooting
Wyatt Storm Belcher, 28, will spend his life in prison for the 2022 second-degree murder of Ash Smith at a Portland drum circle. A Multnomah County judge handed down the sentence Monday, allowing for the possibility of parole after 25 years.The jury reached a guilty verdict Thursday after deliberating for just one hour, according to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
Smith, 31, a mother of five, was shot in the back of the neck on May 8, 2022, as the drum circle event dispersed. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang before seeing Smith collapse.
Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin acknowledged the compassion shown to Smith in her final moments. “While [Smith] didn’t deserve Wyatt Belcher’s senseless ambush, she did deserve the compassion that the witnesses on scene showed her during her final moment,” Franklin said. “Three of those individuals had the strength to testify during this trial despite being deeply and personally affected by what they witnessed.”
Police apprehended belcher near the scene, still armed. According to the DA’s office, Belcher reportedly racked the slide on his gun, asked if Smith was dead, and then threatened a witness.
Authorities resolute that Belcher and Smith had no known connection. At the time of the shooting, Smith was reportedly experiencing homelessness and had been asking people for money, according to a witness.
A gofundme page created to help with Smith’s funeral described her as a “good hearted person” who had been “given a tough hand in life.”
Belcher’s trial faced delays, and he was at one point deemed unfit to stand trial. Court documents indicate he was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and schizoaffective disorder but was later declared fit for trial.
What’s next
Belcher will begin serving his life sentence, with the possibility of parole after 25 years. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of mental health and violence in the Portland area.