Bend man arraigned in killing of Sisters woman

(Update: Adding Mid Oregon Credit Union account for Cashwell’s family)

A man accused of fatally shooting a Sisters woman at his northeast Bend apartment over the weekend made his first court appearance Monday afternoon, while members of the victim’s family shed light on how the two had met.

Alan Porciello, 36, was arrested Saturday on charges of first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon. H e allegedly shot and killed Jenny Cashwell, 37, Saturday afternoon at the Cedar West Apartments.

Cashwell’s brother-in-law told NewsChannel 21 Cashwell met Porciello through a dating app, and Saturday was supposed to be their first date.

Cashwell is survived by her two daughters, ages 8 and 11.

Family members have created a GoFundMe for her children. Cashwell’s family also has set up an account in her name at Mid Oregon Credit Union for the family’s expenses.

Cashwell’s brother-in-law said she was an amazing person with the biggest heart in the world.

Several people also told NewsChannel 21 they knew Porciello as a loving, friendly guy, until he got in a severe car crash in 2002. O ne woman said he suffered brain trauma and was not the same person after that crash.

“I don’t believe he would’ve done this if he didn’t get in those accidents,” Corinne McIver said, noting he actually was in two crashes. “I really don’t believe he would’ve done something like this. I don’t know the circumstances that led up to it, but I don’t think he would have. He was never aggressive before the accidents. Only after he got into the accidents he was aggressive.”

Deschutes County’s concealed handgun licensing office could not confirm if Porciello has a concealed weapons permit.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Stephen Gunnels said unless there has been a previous court order making someone ineligible to possess firearms, such as felony conviction or civil commitment order, that person may lawfully possess a firearm.

In order to possess a firearm, a person must first pass a background check, if they are purchasing from a licensed dealer. The handgun licensing office said when conducting that check, they cannot reach out to therapists or look into a person’s medical history, because that information is confidential. T hey also cannot investigate mental illness, u nless the person had previous contact with law enforcement.

Porciello’s only Oregon criminal history was two misdemeanor offenses in 2001 and 2009.

Circuit Judge Randy Miler set Porciello’s bail at $250,000 and scheduled his next court appearance for Jan. 22.

Members of Jenny Cashwell’s CrossFit gym, Level 5 in Sisters, are starting a “Jenny Cashwell Foundation.” On Feb. 2, they’re hosting a lifting competition in her honor. Funds raised will go towards Cashwell’s daughters, as well as the causes she held dear. Find the details here.