‘Significant tragedy’ averted: Judge sentences Smith Rock mass shooting plotter Samson Garner to 30 years in prison
(Update: Garner sentenced, judge's ruling)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Samson Garner, the Portland resident recently convicted by a jury of plotting a mass shooting at a Smith Rock climbing event two years ago, was sentenced Monday afternoon to 30 years in prison.
Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alison Emerson agreed to the prosecution's recommended sentence for Garner, found guilty back in September of planning a mass shooting at Smith Rock's Craggin' Classic event in October 2023. She rejected the request by his defense attorneys for a much shorter, 7 1/2 year sentence, ruling that each of the four counts of attempted aggravated murder should be served consecutively.
Prosecutors urged the judge not to do as the defense requested: "Concurrent sentences minimize the defendant’s conduct and intent to 'rampage through the park shooting belayers and spectators while their climbers watched and lived the horror, unable to help or do anything to save themselves and their friends,'” Chief Deputy District Attorney Mary Anderson wrote in her response.
The judge quoted that section of Garner's email and said: "I believe this would have been a significant tragedy."
However, she said, because that threat was taken seriously by Garner's friends and by law enforcement, "the community was spared that outcome," and she quoted a familiar phrase to head off such incidents: "See something, say something."
The hearing previously was set back twice, with the most recent delay bringing sharp criticism from Judge Alison Emerson aimed at the defense.
Earlier Story -- October 23rd -- BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Deschutes County judge once again postponed the sentencing of Samson Garner, the Portland man convicted of plotting a mass shooting at Smith Rock State Park’s 2023 Craggin’ Classic, after sharply criticizing his defense team for missing repeated filing deadlines.
The packed courtroom on Thursday heard Judge Alison Emerson rebuke defense attorney Kelly Monaghan for not receiving a sentencing memorandum until hours before the hearing.
Emerson said she had to read the filing over her lunch break and needed more time to fairly review it. She emphasized the court’s duty to take the sentencing process seriously, adding that the briefing’s lateness would not allow her to make an informed decision.
Garner, 41, was found guilty in September on all 26 felony counts, including attempted murder, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon, following a three-week trial.
Prosecutors have recommended a 30-year prison sentence, citing the severity of the charges and Garner’s violent intent. The defense has asked for a combined 7½-year term, arguing that consecutive sentences would be excessive and outlining why during Thursday's hearing.
Prosecutors also read a victim impact statement from former Craggin’ Classic event coordinator Jessica Mason, who described the lasting trauma she experienced after learning of Garner’s threats to attack the event. Mason said she has since left her position and stopped rock climbing due to fear tied to the incident.
Judge Emerson postponed the sentencing to November 10, saying she would take time to review the documents before issuing a final decision. Garner’s sentencing had already been delayed previously due to defense attorney Joel Wirtz's involvement in negotiations for a new contract for Oregon's public defenders.
Defense attorney Kelly Monaghan said Garner won't make a statement at his sentencing, saying that was what his attorney's had advised.
As a result, Emerson said the Nov. 10 hearing will be limited to her decision and the imposition of sentence. She apologized to those who drove over from Portland and said they can observe ithe subsequent hearing remotely, if they wish.
