On January 10, 2023, Brandon James Stevens, age 33, of Tigard, was found guilty after a court trial of one count of Assault in the First Degree, one count of Assault in the Third Degree and Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree. Deputy District Attorney Chris Lewman prosecuted the case before Judge Andrew Erwin.
On January 12, 2022, the 18-month-old victim was taken to Legacy Meridian Park hospital after his mother discovered swelling to his scrotum and stomach. The injuries had occurred while the child was being cared for by Mr. Stevens, who was the mother’s boyfriend. Due to the severity of his injuries, the child was transferred to Randall Children’s Hospital where he was diagnosed with extensive bruising to his chest and back, a broken rib, a grade-3 liver laceration, a transected pancreas, and other injuries. He was suffering from internal bleeding and the injuries were life threatening. Tests revealed that the child had methamphetamine in his system. Doctors determined that his injuries were the result of blunt force trauma, specifically, from very violent and repetitive blows.
When Mr. Stevens learned that police were looking for him, he fled the apartment in Tigard, leaving a five-year-old child home alone. Tigard Police were able to make entry into the apartment and secure that child, who was uninjured. Mr. Stevens was arrested later that evening. He submitted to a urine test which was positive for methamphetamine.
Judge Erwin sentenced Mr. Stevens to 90 months in prison under Ballot Measure 11.
