Bend, Ore. – In a Deschutes County Courtroom Tuesday, Eric Norgaard, 24, was found guilty in a 10-2 verdict of attempted murder, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon in the attack Halloween night 2014 on former roommate Jim Briles.
Briles, then 18, suffered two deflated lungs after being stabbed at least 14 times.
The prosecution and the defense agreed that Norgaard suffered from a mental disease. The two sides agreed that Norgaard stabbed Briles 14 times with no justification.
The issue for the jury to decide was whether Norgaard’s mental disease prevented him being able to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law. Obviously, as revealed by their verdict, the jury concluded it did.
Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel thanked the jurors for their work:
“This case presented complex, emotional, and difficult evidence for the jury to process and analyze,” said Hummel. “Their attention to detail and service to our community are appreciated.”
Hummel expressed sympathy to James Briles and his family:
“What James experienced two years ago on Halloween night was horrific,” said Hummel. “After Mr. Norgaard’s disposition is determined by Judge Adler I will make a further statement.”
Norgaard will be appear in front of Deschutes County Circuit Court Judge Michael Adler on Monday for a court hearing to determine scheduling issues related to further mental health evaluations and, ultimately, final disposition of the case.
As a result of the jury’s ruling, Norgaard will not serve a prison sentence, but will be placed in the custody of the State Psychiatric Review Board, which will then determine the appropriate combination of treatment, civil commitment, or supervised release for individuals found guilty except for insanity by the courts.
