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An Oregon father has been remembered as a hero after being fatally shot while checking on a distressed woman. Aaron McInnis, 30, lost his life on July 14, 2024, in Northeast Portland near Normandale Park.
That day, Aaron was dropping off a friend at her home when a man approached him, asking for help to check on a woman he had heard crying in a nearby car. The man, identified as 25-year-old Arvoni Hayes, was found inside the vehicle with his girlfriend. According to court documents, Hayes was completely naked and verbally abusive toward the woman.
Aaron asked Hayes to step out of the car to calm the situation. Hayes eventually dressed and agreed to leave the woman alone, but suddenly lunged back into the vehicle, urging her to drive away.
Aaron pursued the car, which stopped at a nearby intersection, where Hayes exited and opened fire, aiming to kill Aaron. The father was struck three times and later died at a hospital.
Authorities revealed that the woman feared for her life during the incident, stating Hayes had also threatened her with a gun inside the car.
After months on the run, Hayes was arrested and initially faced serious charges, including second-degree murder. However, in a plea deal, the murder charge was dropped. He was sentenced on Friday to 18 years in prison plus three years of supervision after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a firearm.
Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer praised Aaron’s bravery, saying, “Aaron McInnis was a hero to the very end. He did not hesitate to check on the safety of a stranger and tragically lost his life to the defendant’s cowardly shooting. Today, we honor the hero and send the defendant to prison.”
Family members shared heartfelt impact statements during sentencing. Aaron’s mother described the immense loss, writing, “When Hayes murdered my son Aaron, a huge part of me went with him.
Now all I have left is his ashes and wonderful memories. My heart is completely shattered.”
She added that Aaron was a devoted son, brother, father, and loyal friend who always put others first.
Another family member recalled Aaron’s kindness, saying, “That day, he saw someone he believed might need help and asked if she was okay. That was Aaron.
He was willing to stop and help another person. And that simple act of care cost him his life.”
Aaron McInnis’s legacy remains one of compassion and courage-a man who acted selflessly in the face of danger, leaving a lasting impact on his community and loved ones.