BEND, Ore. — A Deschutes County jury has found 41-year-old Samson Garner guilty of plotting a mass shooting at Smith Rock State Park’s Craggin’ Classic climbing festival in 2023, Central Oregon Daily News reported. The unanimous verdict, delivered Thursday, convicted Garner on 26 felony counts, including attempted murder, attempted assault, and unlawful use of a weapon. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 2.
Prosecutors said Garner envisioned killing climbers, belayers, and spectators during the event. Court documents revealed potential victims were listed only as “Belayer 1,” “Belayer 2,” “Spectator 1,” and “Spectator 2.” The conviction followed a three-week trial in which jurors heard from Garner’s ex-girlfriend, his ex-wife, detectives, and Garner himself. The jury deliberated for just over two hours before reaching its decision.
Garner’s arrest came on Oct. 19, 2023, at the Matson trailhead about 20 miles south of Smith Rock. Deputies found an AR-15 rifle, two handguns, body armor, and ammunition in his vehicle. Prosecutors argued these weapons, including green tip rounds capable of piercing vests, showed he was taking concrete steps toward carrying out the plan…