La Mota employee pleads not guilty to murders in armed robbery

The Portland man accused of shooting and killing two men after a robbery at a North Portland pot shop pleaded not guilty on Thursday.

Jason Steiner, 34, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

New court documents released on Thursday paint a picture.

Police sayaround 10 p.m. last Thursday three individuals entered the La Mota marijuana dispensary in St. Johns where Steiner was working.

Two of them pointed guns at Steiner. Steiner said he told them they could, “Take the store” and says they allowed him to leave.

Steiner then returned with a gun and started shooting at them from the drive-thru pickup window until he ran out of ammunition. He then called 911.

When asked why he went back into the store, Steiner told police he was afraid the individuals would come after him and mentioned he left his car keys inside.

Two of the individuals, identified as 18-year-old King Lawrence and 20-year-old Tahir Burley, died at the scene.

Anothermike

Article URL : https://katu.com/live/la-mota-employee-pleads-not-guilty-to-murders-in-armed-robbery