Man accused in plot to shoot Smith Rock climbers arraigned Friday

Published 5:00 pm Friday, October 27, 2023

The Portland man accused of plotting to shoot rock climbers and others at Smith Rock State Park made his first public appearance Friday in Deschutes County Circuit Court.

Samson Zebturiah Garner, 39, is accused of four counts of attempted murder in the first degree with multiple victims, eight counts of attempted assault in the second degree with a firearm and 15 counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested Garner Oct. 19 after being notified by the Portland Police Bureau of Garner’s suspected plan to shoot climbers and belayers at last weekend’sSmith Rock Craggin’ Classic.

Garner had been the subject of police scrutiny since August after two acquaintances notified authorities he posed a potential threat to the public and himself.

A court document obtained by The Bulletin contains graphic texts and communications from Garner in which he fantasized about committing acts of extreme violence. Garner attributes his fantasies to recent changes during the last year, recalling similarities to his father, Joseph T. Garner, who was convicted of killing his own father and eating his brain in 1995.

“Some part of me is a horrible, psychopathic monster,” wrote Garner in an email supplied to Portland Police. “I’m turning into him, I’m turning into my father.”

Records show Garner also contemplated a mass shooting at Mt Hood Meadows.

Portland Police officers did not approach Garner before his departure to Deschutes County because they believed him to be armed and did not want to “precipitate a force event,” said Portland Police detective Kristina M. Coffey.

At his arraignment, Garner’s bail was set at $10 million. A hearing to hear his plea is scheduled for Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m.